Australia links deaths to 'economy-class syndrome'

Crowded economy class cabins have been blamed for some deaths

SYDNEY, Australia -- Eighteen airline passengers in Australia have died since 1992 of "economy class syndrome," or potentially fatal blood clots, an Australian newspaper says.

The figure adds to mounting international concern within the travel industry about the syndrome and its effect.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph says coroner officers around Australia have recorded 18 deaths from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also called economy-class syndrome, since 1992.

Most of the deaths were after long haul flights to Australia, but one was after a two-hour flight.

The newspaper said 14 of the passengers had died either during their flight, at Sydney airport or within two hours of landing.

REDUCE THE RISK Snacking, moving can decrease risk of flight-related blood clots     MESSAGE BOARD Are you worried about developing blood clots during long flights?

It said three quarters of the deaths involved women and all passengers were aged over 50.

But a local law firm said the death toll from DVT during long-haul flights to and from Australia might be over 100.

Melbourne-based Slater & Gordon said it had received details of almost 2,300 alleged DVT cases, including 116 possible deaths. It said that although some cases dated back to the late 1980s, about half occurred in the past two years.

Global calls for safeguards against DVT arose last October following the death of 28-year-old Briton Emma Christoffersen, who collapsed in the arrival hall of London's Heathrow airport after returning from Australia following the Olympic Games.

The sales assistant from retailer Marks and Spencer complained of feeling unwell on the last part of the 19,000 km (12,000-mile) trip in September and died before reaching hospital.

Slater & Gordon partner Paul Henderson said the law firm was being inundated by calls from people claiming DVT after long-haul flights to and from Australia.

It has signed up hundreds of potential clients wishing to sue 20 international airlines.

"Generally, they are mostly cases involving overseas flights, usually to Los Angeles and Europe," Henderson said. "We are seeking more detail from people and expect to advise them within the next few weeks."

The condition DVT occurs when blood clots form during long periods of immobility, and can be fatal if the clots enter the heart or lungs.

Airlines argue it is not a condition specifically linked to air travel, and can occur in hospital beds, trains or anywhere where people are immobile.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Australian inquiry into 'economy class syndrome'
January 15, 2001
Doctors, airlines warn of blood clot risk
January 11, 2001
Snacking, moving can decrease risk of flight-related blood clots
November 21, 2000
Woman dies from blood clot after long-haul flight
October 23, 2000

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