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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
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Venous thromboembolism occurring during adolescence.
Tina Biss1, Raza Alikhan2, Jeanette Payne3
1Department of Haematology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment in adolescents is understudied. A small percentage of VTE cases in this age group had an indication for chemical thromboprophylaxis but did not receive it.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Thrombosis
- Vascular Medicine
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis are standard in adults but lack adolescent-specific evidence.
- Adolescents with VTE often present with complex risk factors and require tailored prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe thrombotic risk factors in adolescents with VTE.
- To determine the proportion of potentially preventable VTE events in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 76 adolescents (aged 12-17) with radiologically confirmed VTE.
- Data collected from eight UK tertiary centers between 2008 and 2014.
- Exclusion of central venous line-related upper venous system events.
Main Results:
- Frequent risk factors included reduced mobility (45%), thrombophilia (24%), and malignancy (20%).
- 37% of cases were considered 'unpreventable' as outpatients without provoking events.
- 18% had an indication for thromboprophylaxis without contraindication; only 4 received it.
Conclusions:
- A small proportion (13%) of adolescent VTE cases had an indication for chemical thromboprophylaxis but did not receive it.
- Focus VTE risk assessment on adolescents with immobility or surgery, especially those with malignancy.
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