Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The VTE is mainly a disease of the older adult, though its incidence has increased significantly in the pediatric population over the past several years. This trend is likely due to enhanced awareness and recognition of VTE, as well as increased prevalence of thromboembolic associated risk factors, such as increases in the proportion of children with predisposing medical conditions. The evaluation and management of a child with VTE is similar to that of adults, however pediatric patients have their own distinct aspects of care, stemming from particularities of the hemostatic system, age-related risk factors and differences in response to anticoagulant and antithrombotic therapy. This review addresses the risk factors and the evaluation and management of children with VTE.

Keywords: Anticoagulant therapy; Children; Clotting; Inherited thrombophilia; Thromboembolism; Thrombolytic therapy.