Abstract

SEQUEIRA, Ana Isabel et al. Deep vein thrombosis in children and adolescents: ten years retrospective study. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2016, vol.25, n.3, pp.147-153. ISSN 0872-0754.

Introduction: The venous thromboembolism (VTE), an emerging disease in pediatric age, comprises deep veins thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism. The goal of this case series is the evaluation of the most relevant features as well as the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of DVT in children. Methods: Descriptive retrospective review of patients’ records admitted with diagnosis of TVP in the last decade in ULSAM’s Pediatric Department. Results: The study population consisted of six patients, five of whom were female. The median age was 17 years old. The edema was the most frequent symptom and the ileo-femoral venous segment the most affected (2/6). There were at least two concomitant acquired risk factors in three patients, the most common of which being combinated oral contraceptive. There were five patients without thrombophilia, but we are waiting the last patient results. The mean treatment duration was 9,8 months. Discussion and Conclusion: TVP is a relatively rare event in childhood, but, when present, causes significant morbidity and mortality. As reported in literature, the highest incidence of DVT was documented in adolescents with lower limb impairment. We found a conjunction of several risk factors that are likely to potentiate each other, leading to the occurrence of VTE. It is possible that the pediatrician is facing with a new, previously excluded, pathology of pediatric care. Besides, the incidence’s increase of this condition may suggest that the use of oral contraceptives by teenage females rises the thrombotic risk. It is important to create a national consensus on the approach and prevention of this illness in pediatric age.

Keywords : Venous thrombosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Deep Venous Thrombosis; Adolescent; Oral Contraceptives; Pediatrics.

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