Research Paper of the Year 2011 winner's showcase

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This important award recognises the significant contribution that research makes to improving health and  healthcare.  From the 150 nominations we received, the judges have selected papers that, they believe, will have an impact on doctors and patients over the next 5 to 10 years.

CRASH-2 trial collaborators, Clinical Trials Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK

CRASH-2 trial collaborators, Shakur H, Roberts I, Bautista R, Caballero J, Coats T, et al. Effects of tranexamic acid on death, vascular occlusive events, and blood transfusion in trauma patients with significant haemorrhage (CRASH-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2010;376:23-32.

CRASH stands for Clinical Randomisation of an Antifibrinolytic in Significant Haemorrhage. The judges said that the research from the CRASH-2 Trial collaborators demonstrated originality, scientific robustness and international relevance. Their study around the world into the effects of tranexamic acid on reducing mortality among trauma patients demonstrates the impact that this low cost drug can have on reducing deaths owing to bleeding. Their results have the potential to help doctors make better clinical decisions and improve outcomes for patients. The authors have called for tranexamic acid to be available to doctors treating trauma patients in all countries and to be considered for WHO’s List of Essential Medicines.

The CRASH-2 team said:

"Our research showed that giving tranexamic acid to bleeding trauma patients is both effective and cost effective. These findings are of global importance because every year, over 2 million people die from traumatic haemorrhage.
 
However, not a single patient will benefit if doctors are not made aware of these results or if the drug is not made available for them to use. Winning this award will have a purpose which is to help bring these findings to the attention of the public, doctors and regulatory agencies.
 
Getting these amazing results involved the commitment of a global team, including over 20,000 patients and their relatives in 40 countries. We thank them for their outstanding work on the CRASH-2 trial."

http://groupawards.bmj.com/2012-Categories/awards-2011-research-paper-of-the-year.flv/