Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 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

Management of peripherally inserted central catheter associated deep vein thrombosis in children

Alessandra C Gasior1, E Marty Knott, Shawn D St Peter

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, 2401 Gillham road, 64108 Kansas, MO, USA.

Pediatric Surgery International
|January 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in children is low. Prophylaxis for DVT may be best reserved for children with a history of clots or a known hypercoagulable state.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Thrombosis
  • Vascular Access Devices
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

  • No established protocols exist for prophylaxis or management of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in pediatric patients.
  • Current DVT prophylaxis rates in children with PICCs are very low.
  • This study aimed to analyze current practices for PICC placement to assess DVT frequency, risk factors, and treatment patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of DVT in children following PICC placement.
  • To identify risk factors associated with PICC-related DVT.
  • To evaluate current treatment strategies for pediatric DVT in the context of PICC use.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of data from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2011.
  • Inclusion of patients with upper extremity PICCs, assessing for subsequent DVT.
  • Collection of variables including demographics, comorbidities, DVT diagnosis methods, treatment, and recurrence.

Main Results:

  • A total of 1,289 PICC placements resulted in 24 DVT events (1.9%) in 23 patients.
  • Identified risk factors included recent surgery, sepsis, family history of clots, and malignancy.
  • Most DVTs were symptomatic and diagnosed via ultrasound; no patients received prophylaxis. Treatment varied, with most receiving enoxaparin, and 54% achieving clot resolution.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of DVT associated with PICC lines in children is relatively low.
  • Prophylaxis for DVT in pediatric patients with PICCs may be warranted primarily for those with a prior DVT or a diagnosed hypercoagulable condition.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis06:59

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Published on: August 26, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...