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Systemic thromboembolism in children. Data from the 1-800-NO-CLOTS Consultation Service
Stefan Kuhle1, Patricia Massicotte, Anthony Chan
1Department of Population Health Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric thromboembolism (TE) is common in infants, with venous TE being most frequent. Most children with TE have risk factors, especially central lines, highlighting the need for awareness and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Thromboembolism (TE) is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the clinical profile of pediatric TE is crucial for effective management.
- A large dataset from a dedicated consultation service provides insights into this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical characteristics of systemic thromboembolism (TE) in a large cohort of children.
- To identify age-related differences, common locations, associated conditions, and risk factors for pediatric TE.
- To analyze diagnostic methods and treatment variations in pediatric TE cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1776 consecutive pediatric systemic TE cases.
- Data collected via the 1-800-NO-CLOTS telephone consultation service using standardized forms.
- Inclusion criteria focused on children with systemic TE managed by clinicians using the service.
Main Results:
- Infants under one year (47%), including neonates (26%), comprised the largest age group with TE.
- Venous TE (74%) was the most frequent manifestation, though arterial TE was more common in neonates and children with cardiac issues.
- Central catheters were the most common risk factor (present in 2/3 of cases), with 90% of children having at least one risk factor.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric TE, particularly in neonates, requires specific attention due to its prevalence and unique characteristics.
- Risk factors, notably central venous catheters, are almost always present in pediatric TE cases.
- Significant heterogeneity exists in the treatment of pediatric TE, suggesting a need for standardized approaches.
Abstract:
Thromboembolism (TE) has recently been recognized as a clinical entity in children. Determining the clinical characteristics of pediatric TE is an important first step in dealing with this new disorder. The paper summarizes 1776 consecutive children with systemic TE referred to 1-800-NO-CLOTS telephone consultation service. 1-800-NO-CLOTS is a free consultation service for clinicians managing pediatric TE. Patient information was collected immediately using standardized forms. In children with systemic TE, infants under one year of age (47%) including neonates (26%) represented the largest distinct pediatric age group. Age-related differences were seen in TE locations, associated conditions, and risk factors. However, venous TE was the most frequent manifestation (74%). Neonates and children with cardiac disorders were more likely to have an arterial TE than a venous TE Beyond the neonatal period, venous TE associated with a central line is more likely to occur than arterial TE. Children with ALL were 5.7 times more likely to have a venous TE than an arterial TE. TE were infrequent in otherwise healthy children with 90% of children having at least one risk factor. Central catheters were the single most common risk factor associated with TE, present in 2/3 of children. Ultrasound was most frequently employed for diagnosis of TE. Finally, there was marked heterogeneity in treatment of children with TE. In children, neonates form the largest single group with TE. TE usually occur only in the presence of one or more risk factors with catheters being the single most important factor.
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