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Pulmonary embolism in children

Leonardo R Brandão1, Veerle Labarque, Yaser Diab

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. leonardo.brandao@sickkids.ca).

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis
|December 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis and treatment often use adult protocols. This review examines historical progress and current knowledge gaps in childhood PE, highlighting epidemiology and diagnostic tools.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE) is increasingly recognized in children.
  • Current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for pediatric PE are largely adapted from adult protocols.
  • There is a need for a pediatric-specific understanding of PE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical progression of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children.
  • To contextualize pediatric PE advancements alongside key events in adult PE.
  • To highlight current knowledge gaps in pediatric PE.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of historical pediatric reports on PE.
  • Analysis of national database reports to characterize pediatric PE epidemiology.
  • Review of diagnostic tools applicable to children with PE.

Main Results:

  • Initial pediatric PE reports and their evolution are summarized.
  • Epidemiological data from national databases provide insights into childhood PE.
  • Specific diagnostic considerations for pediatric PE are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding pediatric PE.
  • Current management strategies require further adaptation for the pediatric population.
  • Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in pediatric PE therapy and outcomes.

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