Contraception-related venous thromboembolism in a pediatric institution

To define the thrombotic risk factors of young women presenting to a children's hospital with hormonal contraception-related venous thromboembolism (VTE). We hypothesized that the majority of patients would have additional risk factors for VTE.

Clinical and laboratory data obtained retrospectively from electronic medical records concerning history of presentation, body mass index (BMI), medical and family history, medication profile, and relevant laboratory studies.

Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, November 2008-May 2012.

Twenty-six female patients, age 12-21 years, admitted for hormonal contraception-related VTE.

Fifty-seven VTE cases were reviewed, and 26 were identified as contraception-related VTE. 96% of patients had at least 1 additional risk factor for VTE, and 42% of patients had 2 or more additional risk factors. 50% patients had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2). 35% of patients had a positive family history of VTE in a first or second-degree relative. 27% of patients were subsequently diagnosed with an inherited thrombophilia, 5 of whom had a positive family history.

In a small population of adolescents presenting to a children's hospital with contraception-related VTE, the majority of patients had multiple risk factors for VTE. Obesity was the most common additional risk factor (50%) identified in our study population. More research is needed regarding the impact of obesity on contraception-related VTE in young women, and whether the presence of obesity should influence thrombophilia screening practices prior to prescribing contraception.