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Current and future antithrombotic agents in children

Guy Young1

  • 1Children's Hospital of Orange County, 455 S. Main Street, Orange, CA 92868, USA. gyoung@choc.org

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|July 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thromboembolic events are rising, prompting increased anticoagulation use. Novel agents like direct thrombin inhibitors offer potential advantages over traditional heparin and warfarin for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Pharmacology
  • Thrombosis Management

Background:

  • Increasing incidence of thromboembolic complications in pediatric patients.
  • Expanded use of anticoagulation in children without robust clinical trial data.
  • Limitations of traditional anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin) in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review current and novel anticoagulation agents for pediatric use.
  • Highlight potential advantages of newer agents over established therapies.
  • Discuss the role of emerging anticoagulants in managing pediatric thrombosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anticoagulation therapies in children.
  • Analysis of pharmacologic properties of heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, direct thrombin inhibitors, and Factor Xa inhibitors.
  • Examination of ongoing clinical trials for novel agents.

Main Results:

  • Heparin and warfarin are common but have limitations in children.
  • Low-molecular-weight heparin offers improved properties.
  • Novel agents like direct thrombin inhibitors (argatroban, bivalirudin) and fondaparinux show promise but require further study.

Conclusions:

  • Novel anticoagulants present potential benefits for pediatric thrombosis.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to define optimal use and dosing in children.
  • Emerging agents may offer safer and more effective anticoagulation strategies for pediatric patients.

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