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06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Cerebral venous thrombosis in children
K S Carvalho1, J B Bodensteiner, P J Connolly
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, USA.
Journal of Child Neurology
|August 21, 2001
Summary
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in children, especially neonates, is a significant cause of stroke. Early diagnosis and testing for coagulation disorders are crucial for better outcomes in pediatric CVT.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a critical cause of stroke in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the natural history of CVT is vital for developing effective interventions.
- Neonatal CVT may be more prevalent than previously recognized, with poorer prognoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the risk factors, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and neurological outcomes of pediatric cerebral venous thrombosis.
- To evaluate the incidence and impact of coagulopathies in children with CVT.
- To emphasize the importance of screening for coagulation disorders in all pediatric CVT cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 31 children diagnosed with CVT via head CT or MRI.
- Review of patient data including risk factors, clinical symptoms, imaging results, and neurological outcomes.
- Coagulation status was assessed in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- The median age was 14 days, with 61% being neonates. Common risk factors included mastoiditis, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac malformations, and dehydration.
- Seizures, fever, respiratory distress, and lethargy were the most frequent clinical features.
- At follow-up, 11 patients were normal, 13 had developmental delay, and 2 died. Protein C and antithrombin III deficiencies were common coagulopathies.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cerebral venous thrombosis, particularly in neonates, presents unique challenges and poorer outcomes.
- Coagulation disorders are prevalent in children with CVT and warrant thorough investigation.
- Testing for coagulation disorders should be a standard part of managing pediatric CVT.
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