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Updated: Jan 25, 2026
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Incidence and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis among pediatric burn patients
Nouf Alturki1, Mohamed Alkahtani1, Mamoon Daghistani1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Pediatric burn patients face a high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly with large burns. Prolonged hospitalization and central lines are key risk factors, necessitating DVT screening and potential prophylactic anticoagulation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Vascular surgery
- Burn management
Background:
- Major burns significantly increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to Virchow's triad.
- Existing data on DVT incidence in pediatric burn patients is limited.
- This study addresses the need for more information on DVT in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of DVT in pediatric burn patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with DVT development in pediatric burn patients.
- To explore the necessity of prophylactic anticoagulation for pediatric burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 95 pediatric patients with second- and third-degree burns.
- Inclusion criteria focused on burn severity and unit admission duration.
- Exclusion criteria removed adult patients, minor burns, and specific surgical/trauma cases.
Main Results:
- Overall thrombosis incidence was 4.2% (3.1% DVT, 1.1% arterial thrombosis).
- Significant DVT risk factors included length of hospitalization (p=0.012), central venous catheter use (p=0.013), and % total body surface area (%TBSA) burned (p=0.004).
- Pediatric DVT risk was not significantly associated with weight-for-age or BMI, unlike in adults.
Conclusions:
- Extensive burns (≥40% TBSA) are a major DVT risk factor in pediatric patients.
- Prolonged hospitalization and central venous catheters further elevate DVT risk.
- Consider DVT investigation and prophylactic anticoagulation for pediatric burn patients with these risk factors, even if asymptomatic.
Background:
Patients with major burns covering a large total body surface area (%TBSA) fulfill all the criteria of Virchow's triad, as a sequela of their injury. This places these patients at increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, data regarding the incidence of DVT in burn patients are minimal, especially in the pediatric age group. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the incidence of DVT in pediatric burn patients, identify possible risk factors for developing DVT, and explore the need for prophylactic treatment.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review of 95 patients admitted to our Burn Unit was conducted. We included all pediatric patients with second- and third-degree burns admitted to the unit. Exclusion criteria were adult patients, those with first-degree burns and admitted to the unit for <72h, patients discharged against medical advice, those admitted for elective reconstructive surgery, secondary admissions for non-healing/infected burns, and patients with trauma-induced skin loss. A data collection sheet was utilized.
Results:
The total incidence of thrombosis in our population was 4.2% (DVT, 3.1%; arterial thrombosis, 1.1%). Factors significantly associated with DVT included length of hospitalization (p=0.012), central venous catheter placement (p=0.013), and %TBSA (p=0.004). Unlike adult patients, weight for age (percentile) and body mass index were not significant risk factors for DVT in our patients.
Conclusion:
Burns are a major risk factor for DVT, especially when covering large surface areas (≥40% TBSA) and combined with other factors (i.e., prolonged hospitalization and central lines). Thus, investigations for DVT and prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered for pediatric burn patients with these risk factors, even if they are asymptomatic.
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