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Published on: October 12, 2012
Practical Considerations for Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Children
Hilary Whitworth1, Leslie Raffini1
1Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Insights
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) offer a new option for pediatric thrombosis management. Pediatricians must consider specific patient factors and limited real-world data when using these agents in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Thrombosis Management
Background:
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are emerging as alternatives to traditional anticoagulants for pediatric thrombosis.
- Recent approvals and ongoing trials are reshaping pediatric anticoagulation practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pediatric-specific data on DOACs.
- To highlight practical considerations and future research needs for DOAC use in children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of existing pediatric data.
- Analysis of clinical trial outcomes and real-world evidence.
Main Results:
- DOACs show promise but require careful consideration of pediatric-specific factors.
- Limited real-world data exists for children outside clinical trial criteria.
Conclusions:
- DOACs offer a viable option for pediatric anticoagulation.
- Further research and real-world data are crucial for optimizing DOAC use in diverse pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) provide an attractive alternative for the management and prevention of thrombosis in pediatric patients. With multiple ongoing and published pediatric trials and recent regulatory approval of dabigatran and rivaroxaban, the landscape of pediatric anticoagulation is rapidly changing. However, as pediatricians gain experience with these drugs, it is important to be mindful of pediatric-specific considerations that may limit the use of DOACs in certain children and adolescents. While there is increasing adult data and experience, there is a paucity of real-world evidence to guide the use of these drugs in children who would not have met clinical trial inclusion criteria. In this mini review, we summarize pediatric specific data, areas for future research, and practical considerations for the use of DOACs in children and adolescents.
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