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[Pulmonary embolism in childhood]
Insights
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare in children, with only seven cases diagnosed between 1971-1982. Septic embolism was the most common cause, highlighting the need for prophylactic anticoagulation in immobilized children over 10 with sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing surgery and medical treatment between 1971 and 1982.
- Investigated the incidence and causes of pulmonary embolism (PE) in a large cohort of 60,000 patients.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency and etiological factors of pulmonary embolism in pediatric patients.
- To identify risk factors and recommend preventive strategies for PE in children.
Summary:
- Seven cases of pulmonary embolism were diagnosed in pediatric patients over a 10-year period.
- The majority of cases (six) were septic emboli originating from conditions like endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and coxitis.
- One case resulted from ileofemoral thrombosis following appendicitis surgery. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in three cases of osteomyelitis and coxitis.
Impact:
- Highlights the low incidence of pulmonary embolism in pediatric populations.
- Emphasizes the significant role of septic emboli as a cause of PE in children.
- Recommends prophylactic anticoagulation for immobilized children over 10 years old with septic processes to prevent PE.
Abstract:
The frequency of pulmonary embolism was investigated in a 10-year period from 1971 to 1982. During this time approximately 30 000 operations in 60 000 surgical and medical patients were performed. In seven patients, six boys and one girl, pulmonary embolism was diagnosed. This includes six patients with septic embolism, arising in three cases from subacute endocarditis, in two from osteomyelitis of the humerus and in one from coxitis. Only in one patient, a boy who was operated for perforated appendicitis, pulmonary embolism resulted as a complication of left-sided ileofemoral thrombosis. In three boys with osteomyelitis and coxitis, staph. aureus was found locally as well as in blood culture and in sputum. Prophylactic anticoagulation is recommended by the authors in all children over 10 years who were immobilized due to a septic process.