Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

Venous thromboembolic disease in the pediatric intensive care unit

K M Donnelly1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307, USA.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|June 1, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric intensive care unit patients face risks for venous thromboembolism (VTE), often linked to central venous catheters. More research is needed to establish optimal VTE treatment and prevention in critically ill children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Hematology
  • Vascular medicine

Background:

  • Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity in adults and is increasingly recognized in children.
  • Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients have numerous risk factors for VTE, including inherited or acquired prothrombotic tendencies.
  • Central venous catheters are the most frequent risk factor identified in pediatric VTE cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the growing recognition of venous thromboembolism in pediatric intensive care unit patients.
  • To identify key risk factors associated with VTE in this population.
  • To underscore the need for optimized treatment and prophylaxis strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric venous thromboembolism.
  • Analysis of risk factors in critically ill children diagnosed with VTE.
  • Evaluation of current treatment recommendations extrapolated from adult studies.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric intensive care unit patients are exposed to multiple VTE risk factors.
  • Central venous catheter presence is the most common risk factor in diagnosed pediatric VTE.
  • A significant number of pediatric VTE cases are diagnosed post-mortem.

Conclusions:

  • Venous thromboembolism is an under-recognized condition in critically ill children.
  • Current treatment guidelines for pediatric VTE are based on adult data and require further investigation.
  • Defining optimal treatment and prophylaxis regimens for critically ill children with VTE is crucial.

More Related Videos

Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis05:37

Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: December 22, 2017

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis06:45

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Published on: February 10, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...