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Indications and drugs for anticoagulation therapy in children
1Hamilton Civic Hospitals Research Centre, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Anticoagulant therapy in children, including heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), is increasingly used for conditions like blood clots. Further research is needed to confirm LMWH benefits in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anticoagulant therapy is becoming more common in pediatric patients.
- Indications include venous and arterial thromboembolic disease, central venous line thrombosis, and inherited conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications for anticoagulant use in children.
- To examine available anticoagulant agents and their associated problems and advantages.
- To highlight the need for further research.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric anticoagulant use.
- Discussion of available agents: heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).
- Analysis of challenges and benefits of pediatric anticoagulant therapy.
Main Results:
- Key indications for anticoagulation in children are identified.
- Heparin and LMWHs are the primary agents used.
- Problems and potential advantages of these agents in pediatric populations are discussed.
Conclusions:
- There is a growing need for anticoagulant therapy in children.
- Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) show potential advantages.
- Randomized, controlled trials are imperative for both prophylactic and therapeutic use of LMWHs in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
The indications for using anticoagulants in children are reviewed. These include venous thromboembolic disease, thrombosis associated with central venous lines, inherited conditions, arterial thromboembolic disease and umbilical catheterization. The anticoagulants presently available for paediatric use consist of heparin and oral agents including low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The problems associated with their use in children are examined and potential advantages described. Increasing numbers of children are now requiring anticoagulant therapy and the potential advantages of LMWHs makes it imperative that randomized, controlled trials be carried out in children in prophylactic as well as therapeutic situations.