A review of clinical characteristics and outcomes of combined
thrombolysis and anticoagulation for pediatric lower extremity and
inferior vena cava thrombosis
Abstract
Objective: Effective treatment for acute limb-threatening lower
extremity (LE) thrombosis involves thrombolysis in addition to
anticoagulation. There is limited available data on the outcomes and
safety of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) to help guide its use in
pediatrics. Procedure: Single-center retrospective medical record review
of children (<21 years of age) that received CDT for LE and
inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis over a 5-year span at a pediatric
tertiary care center. Results: A total of 29 patients were identified
for inclusion in the study, 76% (n=22) received overnight CDT while
24% (n=7) received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) as a bolus dose
during a single interventional procedure. The median age of the cohort
was 15.8 years (range 0-19.1). All patients were treated with a course
of anticoagulation. The thromboses represented were extensive, with 93%
(n=27) being occlusive and affecting multiple venous segments. Thrombus
resolution occurred in 35% (n=10) of patients. Rivaroxaban use during
the course of anticoagulation and estrogen-containing hormonal therapy
use prior to diagnosis were associated with thrombus resolution, while
Hispanic ethnicity was associated with thrombus persistence. There was
one major and 3 minor bleeding events that occurred as a complication of
thrombolysis and no treatment related deaths. Conclusions: The
administration of tPA, whether by CDT or as an intra-procedural bolus,
for extensive LE and IVC thromboses is effective and safe in children
when combined with a course of anticoagulation.