Updates in pediatric venous thromboembolism.

Purpose Of Review: The occurrence of pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the associated sequelae are increasing. The purpose of this PubMed-based review was to summarize the evidence published between 1 August 2014 and 31 March 2015 regarding pediatric VTE epidemiology, risk factors and risk scores, as well as the results from clinical prevention and treatment studies in children. We also sought to provide an update regarding ongoing clinical trials in pediatric VTE prevention and treatment, based on a recent (31 March 2015) search of the clinicaltrials.

New developments in pediatric venous thromboembolism and anticoagulation, including the target-specific oral anticoagulants.

Purpose Of Review: Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) can affect children of all ages, requiring considerable pharmacologic intervention and is often associated with significant morbidity. Current research efforts are directed toward the development of risk-stratified VTE prevention strategies employing pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, the optimization of conventional anticoagulation, and the investigation of the safety and efficacy of target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) in children.

Recent Findings: Recent research has considerably improved the understanding of risk factors of hospital-acquired VTE and how these factors may be employed in risk-stratified paradigms for VTE prevention in children.

Acute prognostic factors for post-thrombotic syndrome in children with limb DVT: a bi-institutional cohort study.

Background: Early identification of children with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the limb who are at heightened risk for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is important in order to evaluate therapeutic interventions aimed at decreasing the risk and severity of PTS.

Objective: We sought to evaluate acute prognostic factors for PTS in children following DVT of the limbs.

Materials And Methods: In this bi-institutional mixed cohort study with prospective ascertainment of PTS using a validated pediatric instrument, we collected data on patient/thrombus characteristics, thrombophilia testing results, and outcomes in children (<21years at event) diagnosed with acute limb DVT at Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego and Children's Hospital Colorado.

Childhood arterial ischemic stroke: a review of etiologies, antithrombotic treatments, prognostic factors, and priorities for future research.

Childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is a rare, but serious, medical condition, which is fatal in approximately 3% and associated with both acute and long-term neurologic impairment in over 70% of cases. Common etiologies include sickle cell disease, congenital heart disease, arterial dissection, prothrombotic conditions, and preceding viral infections; however, one in four cases is considered idiopathic. To date, no randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have been conducted to establish evidence for current therapeutic strategies outside of sickle cell disease, thus, treatment strategies are largely shaped by consensus-based guidelines, in which, beyond the acute period, aspirin is the mainstay of therapy and anticoagulation is reserved for select circumstances.