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Thrombosis and thrombophilia in children: a systematic review
Daniela Tormene1, Sabrina Gavasso, Valeria Rossetto
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy. daniela.tormene@unipd.it
Insights
Pediatric thrombosis is increasingly recognized, with specialized programs improving diagnosis and treatment. This review covers risk factors, prophylaxis, and thrombophilia in children, highlighting knowledge gaps due to limited pediatric trials.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Thrombosis and Hemostasis
Background:
- Thrombotic events in children are uncommon but increasingly recognized.
- Advances in understanding the hemostasis system highlight the importance of thromboembolic disorders in pediatric populations.
- Multiple underlying conditions and prothrombotic disorders contribute to childhood thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on risk factors for venous and arterial thromboembolic events in children.
- To discuss the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis and the role of thrombophilia in pediatric patients.
- To examine clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges of pediatric thromboembolic and cerebrovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current knowledge on pediatric thrombosis.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations, diagnostic issues, and prophylactic strategies.
- Discussion on the impact of prothrombotic defects and the necessity of routine testing.
Main Results:
- Guidelines for pediatric thrombosis management often rely on adult data due to a lack of large prospective pediatric trials.
- Specialized pediatric thrombosis programs are emerging for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
- Understanding risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnostic challenges is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Further research and large-scale prospective trials are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for pediatric thrombosis.
- The role of thrombophilia testing in asymptomatic children requires careful consideration.
- Improved understanding and management strategies are essential for addressing pediatric thromboembolic disorders.
Abstract:
Thrombotic events are uncommon disorders in childhood but increasingly recognized due to the progress made in the understanding of the hemostasis system and the importance of thromboembolic disorders in children. Multiple clinical underlying conditions and prothrombotic disorders contribute to the development of thrombosis in neonates and children. In recent years programs have emerged that specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of thrombosis in children. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the risk factors for thromboembolic events in the venous and arterial systems in children, the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis, and the role of thrombophilia. First, the clinical manifestations and the problems of diagnosing venous thromboembolic diseases and cerebrovascular diseases in children are reviewed. The prophylactic use of anticoagulants in children is also discussed. Unfortunately there are no large prospective randomized trials in children, thus guidelines are based on small studies or on extrapolation of data from adults. Second, the impact of prothrombotic defects in pediatric patients and the issue of routine testing for these disturbances are reviewed.
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