Thromboembolism in children

Acquired and inherited prothrombotic risk factors increase the risk of thrombosis in children. This review is based on "milestone" pediatric reports and new literature data (January 2001-February 2002) on the presence of acquired and inherited prothrombotic risk factors, imaging methods, and treatment modalities in pediatric thromboembolism. After confirming clinically suspected thromboembolism with suitable imaging methods, pediatric patients should be screened for common gene mutations (factor V G1691A, prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T genotypes), rare genetic deficiencies (protein C, protein S, antithrombin, and plasminogen), and new candidates for genetic thrombophilia causing elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine, and probable genetic risk factors (elevations in fibrinogen, factor IX, and factor VIIIC, and decreases in factor XII). Data interpretation is based on age-dependent reference ranges or the identification of causative gene mutations/polymorphisms with respect to individual ethnic backgrounds. Pediatric treatment protocols for acute thromboembolism, including thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy, are mainly adapted from adult patient protocols.