Deep venous thrombosis in children and adolescents

Abstract

Children with DVT can experience serious complications in the form of both morbidity and mortality. Although most thrombotic complications have been found in patients with femoral lines, prolonged treatment involving a central line has been found to be a significant predictor of DVT. Multiple treatment modalities currently exist for children with DVT. Low-molecular-weight heparin therapy has many benefits over unfractionated heparin agents and may be more appropriate for the prophylaxis or treatment of children and adolescents with DVT because of its acceptable safety and efficacy. Clinical data for neonates and young children remain incomplete.

Determination of risk factors for deep venous thrombosis in hospitalized children

“…The initial analysis from the Canadian registry of venous thromboembolism [1] reported a mortality of 2.2% as a direct consequence of the thromboembolic disease. In addition, Levy et al [2] reviewed 32 cases of DVT in the pediatric neurosurgical ward with a resultant mortality of 15%. Morbidity in both studies included pulmonary embolism, recurrent thrombosis, and postphlebitic syndrome (swelling, pain, pigmentation, skin induration, and ulceration caused by incompetent perforating valves).…”

“…Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in pediatric patients is a rare hospital complication but has gained increased recognition because of the high incidence of associated morbidity and mortality [1,2]. The epidemiology of DVT in pediatric patients differs from that of adults.…”

Antithrombotic Therapy in Neonates and Children

“…13,22,151,[441][442][443] The most common risk factor is the presence of a CVAD. 13,22,441,[444][445][446][447] When spontaneous thrombosis occurs in children, it is usually in the lower limbs.…”

The safety and efficacy of use of low-molecular-weight heparin in pediatric neurosurgical patients

“…4 Few studies describe the pharmacokinetics or use of LMWH in children, 3,10,21 and no studies in the literature evaluate the safety and efficacy of LMWHs in the management of VTEs in pediatric neurosurgical patients. 11 Concerns regarding the use of unfractionated heparin followed by oral anticoagulants and the advantages of LMWH have resulted in growing interest in the use of LMWHs as alternative therapy in children. 10 Patients in our study had characteristics similar to children described in other studies who had or were at risk for VTEs.…”