Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Enoxaparin in Treating Pediatric Arterial Thrombosis in Saudi Arabia
Meshary Al-Meshary1,2, Abdulrahman Alotaibi1,2, Nouf S Alsagri1,2
1Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Enoxaparin effectively treats pediatric arterial thrombosis, achieving high clot resolution rates. This study supports its use in children, with further research needed for optimal treatment duration and risk factor management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Thrombosis involves abnormal blood clot formation due to imbalances in hemostatic systems.
- Pediatric arterial thrombosis, particularly catheter-related, is an increasing concern with limited research.
- This study investigates enoxaparin's efficacy in pediatric arterial thrombosis treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of enoxaparin in treating catheter-related arterial thrombosis (CAT) in pediatric patients.
- To identify factors influencing treatment outcomes in pediatric CAT.
- To inform clinical practice for pediatric thrombosis management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center study of 111 children under 14 years old treated with enoxaparin for non-cerebral arterial thrombosis (2016-2021).
- Inclusion criteria required radiologic confirmation of CAT and follow-up at the institution.
- Data included patient demographics, catheter details, thrombosis characteristics, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Complete thrombus resolution occurred in 90% of pediatric patients treated with enoxaparin.
- Median enoxaparin treatment duration was 20 days; higher age and lower body weight correlated with non-resolution.
- Indwelling catheters presented a higher risk of non-resolution compared to cardiac catheters.
Conclusions:
- Enoxaparin demonstrates high efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating pediatric arterial thrombosis.
- Findings support enoxaparin as a viable treatment option for CAT in children.
- Further research is recommended to optimize treatment duration and manage patient-specific risk factors.
Background:
Thrombosis is the abnormal formation of blood clots within blood vessels; it results from an imbalance between fibrinolytic, pro-coagulant, and anticoagulant systems. Pediatric arterial thrombosis, especially related to catheter usage, is an emerging issue with limited evidence. This study evaluates the efficacy of enoxaparin in treating arterial thrombosis in pediatric patients at a single center.
Methods:
A retrospective single-center study included children under 14 years old diagnosed with catheter-related arterial thrombosis (CAT) and treated with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) at King Abdulaziz Medical City between 2016 and 2021. Patients without follow-up at our institution or those using other anticoagulants were excluded. Data collected included age, sex, weight, catheter type, location and degree of thrombosis, ultrasonographic results, treatment duration, hemoglobin and platelet levels, and missed refills. Radiologic confirmation of CAT was required for inclusion.
Results:
This study included 111 children treated with enoxaparin for non-cerebral arterial thrombosis. The median age at diagnosis was 3 months, with 58% being male patients. Most cases (87%) involved cardiac catheterization, and all were confirmed using ultrasonography. Complete thrombus resolution was achieved in 90% of patients, partial resolution in 8.1%, and 1.8% had no resolution. The median duration of enoxaparin therapy was 20 days. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher age and lower body weight were associated with a higher risk of non-resolution. Indwelling catheters also posed a greater risk of non-resolution compared to cardiac catheters.
Conclusions:
Enoxaparin proved effective in treating catheter-related arterial thrombosis in children, with high resolution rates and few side effects. This study helps inform treatment strategies in pediatric thrombosis management and highlights the need for further research to refine treatment durations and address patient risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
01:18Anticoagulant 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...