Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Published on: March 21, 2025
Anticoagulation Therapy in Children
1Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Insights
Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) management is largely based on adult data, despite developmental differences. New oral anticoagulants show promise, with ongoing trials poised to refine pediatric thrombosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Thrombosis and Hemostasis
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is rare in children but increasing.
- Pediatric VTE management often extrapolates from adult data.
- Children's unique physiology impacts anticoagulant effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current pediatric VTE management strategies.
- To highlight limitations of adult-based approaches in children.
- To discuss the potential of novel oral anticoagulants in pediatric thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric VTE management.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in children.
- Overview of ongoing clinical trials for novel oral anticoagulants.
Main Results:
- Heparins and vitamin K antagonists remain primary pediatric anticoagulants.
- Limited pediatric data exists for direct thrombin inhibitors.
- Novel oral anticoagulants demonstrate potential advantages but require more pediatric evidence.
Conclusions:
- Current pediatric VTE treatment is suboptimal due to limited pediatric-specific data.
- Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are a promising area for future pediatric thrombosis care.
- Ongoing clinical trials are crucial for establishing safe and effective NOAC use in children.
Abstract:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is very uncommon in children and adolescents compared with older adults, though its incidence has significantly increased over the past two decades. Given the rarity of the condition, the data on pediatric VTE lag behind the adult experience and consequently the management of VTE in children is, in large part, modeled on the adult strategies. This approach has certain limitations, given that young children have developmental particularities of the hemostatic system and differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various anticoagulant agents. The most commonly used anticoagulants in children continue to be the heparins and the vitamin K antagonists. Direct intravenous thrombin inhibitors, argatroban, bivalirudin, have very limited pediatric use. The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drugs (novel oral anticoagulants) present potential advantages in terms of efficacy, safety, and convenience, though pediatric data are limited to preclinical and small phase I trials. There are several ongoing phase I, II, and III trials for dabigatran rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, the results of which are likely to change the future management of pediatric thromboses.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

