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Published on: February 10, 2023

Incidence and risk factors associated with venous thrombotic events in pediatric intensive care unit patients

Renee A Higgerson1, Karla A Lawson, Leeann M Christie

  • 1Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin, TX, USA.

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : a Journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies
|November 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) face a significant risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Central venous catheters (CVCs) are the primary risk factor, leading to increased mortality and longer ICU stays.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication in critically ill children.
  • Understanding VTE incidence and risk factors in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and identify risk factors for VTE in children admitted to PICUs.
  • To compare characteristics and outcomes of VTE patients with non-VTE patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study conducted in 11 US tertiary care PICUs.
  • Enrolled children with radiographically confirmed VTE over a 6-month period.
  • Collected demographic, patient-related, and outcome data; compared with all PICU admissions.

Main Results:

  • Sixty-six VTE events occurred in 62 of 6653 PICU admissions (0.74% incidence).
  • Strongest risk factors identified: central venous catheter (CVC) use (OR 6.9) and mechanical ventilation (OR 2.8).
  • VTE patients were younger, sicker (higher PIM2 score), had longer ICU stays, and experienced higher mortality (10.2% vs. 2.6%).

Conclusions:

  • Children in PICUs have a substantial risk of VTE.
  • CVC presence is the most significant risk factor for VTE in this population.
  • VTE is associated with poorer outcomes, including increased mortality and prolonged ICU admission.
Abstract

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