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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
06:45

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

Published on: February 10, 2023

Deep venous thrombosis screening in patients with inherited bleeding disorders and central venous catheters

C R Cost1, J M Journeycake

  • 1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9063, USA.

Haemophilia : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia
|March 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Central venous catheter (CVC) use in children with bleeding disorders frequently leads to deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This study found DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) are common, often developing early in CVC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential for managing children with inherited bleeding disorders.
  • Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a known complication of CVCs, but its early development and the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in this population are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the timeline of DVT development in pediatric patients with inherited bleeding disorders and CVCs.
  • To confirm the incidence of CVC-related DVT and assess the prevalence of PTS in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of a cohort of children with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease who had CVCs placed between 2000 and 2009.
  • Regular screening for DVT using contrast venography and Doppler sonography every 24 months.
  • Assessment of PTS using an institutional severity scale at each visit.

Main Results:

  • Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 47% of patients, with most cases diagnosed early (median CVC duration 26 months).
  • Clinical findings consistent with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) were present in 44% of patients.
  • Dilated chest wall veins showed a strong association with underlying DVT.

Conclusions:

  • Central venous catheter-related deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is common in children with inherited bleeding disorders.
  • DVT likely occurs earlier than previously recognized in this patient group.
  • Clinical signs of PTS are frequent, but long-term outcomes require further investigation.

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