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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: December 22, 2017
Deep vein thrombosis in the disabled pediatric population
1Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.
Insights
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects 2.2% of disabled children in rehabilitation centers. Spinal cord injuries are the most common risk factor, particularly in adolescents aged 15-18.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Vascular Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition rarely studied in disabled children.
- Understanding DVT incidence in pediatric rehabilitation is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of DVT in pediatric patients under 18 years old admitted to a rehabilitation center.
- To identify specific risk factors and patient groups within this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 532 children admitted to a rehabilitation center between 1983 and 1987.
- Analysis of DVT incidence and associated diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Overall DVT incidence was 2.2% in the studied pediatric population.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI) represented the largest group with DVT, with 10% incidence in SCI patients aged 15-18.
- Single cases of DVT were noted in children with meningoencephalitis, arteriovenous malformation, closed head injuries, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Conclusions:
- DVT is an important consideration in disabled pediatric populations within rehabilitation settings.
- Adolescents with spinal cord injuries are at a significantly higher risk for DVT.
- Further research into DVT treatment risks and recommendations is warranted.
Abstract:
The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the disabled pediatric population has rarely been studied. The purpose of our retrospective study was to define the incidence in patients younger than 18 years of age who were in a rehabilitation center. We reviewed the charts of 532 children admitted to the center from 1983 through 1987, and found a 2.2% overall incidence of DVT. The largest group of children under 18 of age with documented or suspected DVT was the group with spinal cord injuries (SCI). There were 87 SCI children, 67 of whom were between the ages of 15 and 18. Of the 67, 7 (10%) had DVT: 1 of the 20 SCI children under age 15 had DVT. There were single cases of DVT documented in children with: meningoencephalitis, arteriovenous malformation, closed head injuries, and Guillian-Barré syndrome. We studied the risk involved in treating DVT with heparin and formulated recommendations based on our findings.
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