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Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous Thromboembolism in Children: From Diagnosis to Management
Giuseppe Lassandro1, Viviana Valeria Palmieri1, Valentina Palladino1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Paediatric Section, University of Bari "A. Moro", 701024 Bari, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasing due to chronic conditions and medical devices. Current treatments include heparins and vitamin K antagonists, with new oral anticoagulants in trials.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasingly recognized, influenced by factors like improved survival in chronic conditions, indwelling catheters, and enhanced diagnostics.
- Risk factors for VTE in children encompass inherited thrombophilias and acquired conditions including cardiovascular disease, infections, chronic illnesses, obesity, and malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the underlying physiological and pathological mechanisms of pediatric thrombosis.
- To provide an updated overview of current diagnostic and treatment strategies for pediatric VTE.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological and pathological mechanisms of pediatric thrombosis.
- Synthesis of current diagnostic approaches for VTE in children.
- Analysis of established and emerging treatment options for pediatric VTE.
Main Results:
- Increased incidence of pediatric VTE linked to medical advancements and specific risk factors.
- Established treatments involve heparins and vitamin K antagonists to prevent clot extension and recurrence.
- Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating direct oral anticoagulants for improved patient compliance and care.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the complex etiology of pediatric VTE is crucial for effective management.
- Current anticoagulation therapies are effective, but newer agents promise enhanced patient outcomes.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize the care of children with VTE.
Abstract:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children is a rare occurrence, although in recent decades we have seen an increase due to several factors, such as the rise in survival of subjects with chronic conditions, the use of catheters, and the increased sensitivity of diagnostic tools. Besides inherited thrombophilia, acquired conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, infections, chronic disorders, obesity and malignancy are also common risk factors for paediatric VTE. The treatment of paediatric VTE consists of the use of heparins and/or vitamin K antagonists to prevent dissemination, embolization, and secondary VTE. Randomized clinical trials of direct oral anticoagulants in paediatric VTE are ongoing, with the aim to improve the compliance and the care of patients. We reviewed the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying paediatric thrombosis and updated the current diagnosis and treatment options.
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