Summary
Thromboembolism (TE) has recently been recognized as a clinical entity in children.
Determining the clinical characteristics of pediatric TE is an important first step
in dealing with this new disorder. The paper summarizes 1776 consecutive children
with systemic TE referred to 1-800-NO-CLOTS telephone consultation service. 1-800-NO-CLOTS
is a free consultation service for clinicians managing pediatric TE. Patient information
was collected immediately using standardized forms. In children with systemic TE,
infants under one year of age (47%) including neonates (26%) represented the largest
distinct pediatric age group. Age-related differences were seen in TE locations, associated
conditions, and risk factors. However, venous TE was the most frequent manifestation
(74%). Neonates and children with cardiac disorders were more likely to have an arterial
TE than a venous TE Beyond the neonatal period, venous TE associated with a central
line is more likely to occur than arterial TE. Children with ALL were 5.7 times more
likely to have a venous TE than an arterial TE. TE were infrequent in otherwise healthy
children with 90% of children having at least one risk factor. Central catheters were
the single most common risk factor associated with TE, present in 2/3 of children.
Ultrasound was most frequently employed for diagnosis of TE. Finally, there was marked
heterogeneity in treatment of children with TE. In children, neonates form the largest
single group with TE. TE usually occur only in the presence of one or more risk factors
with catheters being the single most important factor.
Keywords
Children - thromboembolism - diagnosis - treatment - epidemiology