Consumption Coagulopathy in Paediatric Solid Tumours: A Retrospective Analysis and Review of Literature

Disseminated intravascular coagulation or consumption coagulopathy is a well-recognized entity both in various malignant and non-malignant conditions. Most data in paediatric solid tumours are isolated case reports, while there is sparse data in paediatric acute leukaemia.

The study was conducted to analyze the incidence of DIC in our population of paediatric solid tumours.

All records of children <15 years of age registered in the Paediatric Oncology department of our institute with a diagnosis of solid tumour malignancy were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of DIC.

Out of the 73 children, 4 have developed DIC, an incidence of 5.5%. The mean age of children who developed DIC was 4.6 years (Range- 2months -15 years) and the majority (2/4- 50%) children were less than 1 year of age. Children with DIC had a male predominance (75%) and the majority (75%) presented in advanced stages of the disease. Of the 10 children with neuroblastoma, 2 (20%) had evidence of DIC. Statistical analysis was done to determine whether any patient characteristic had the propensity to develop DIC. The only factor that attained statistical significance was younger age.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation though uncommon in children should always be thought of in a child with advanced disease presenting with thrombocytopenia or clinical manifestations of bleeding tendency. An index of suspicion is important for early diagnosis and emergent treatment which eventually improves survival.