NEOnatal Central-venous Line Observational study on Thrombosis (NEOCLOT): evaluation of a national guideline on management of neonatal catheter-related venous thrombosis.
Research article published in Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH (2022)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In critically ill (preterm) neonates, catheter-related venous thromboembolism (CVTE) can be a life-threatening complication. Evidence on optimal management in the literature is lacking. In the Netherlands, a consensus-based national management guideline was developed to create uniform CVTE management. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the national guideline. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational study included all infants aged ≤6 months with CVTE in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2019. CVTE was divided into thrombosis in veins and that in the right atrium, with their own treatment algorithms. The primary outcomes were recurrent venous thrombotic events (VTEs) and/or death due to CVTE as well as major bleeding. RESULTS: Overall, 115 neonates were included (62% male; 79% preterm). The estimated incidence of CVTE was 4.0 per 1000 neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Recurrent thrombosis occurred in 2 (1.7%) infants and death due to CVTE in 1 (0.9%) infant. Major bleeding developed in 9 (7.8%) infants: 2 of 7 (29%) on recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, which was given for high-risk right-atrium thrombosis, and 7 of 63 (11%) on low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Five of the 7 bleedings because of LMWH were complications of subcutaneous catheter use for LMWH administration. CONCLUSION: The management of neonatal CVTE according to the Dutch CVTE management guideline led to a low incidence of recurrent VTEs and death due to VTEs. Major bleeding occurred in 7.8% of the infants. Specific guideline adjustments may improve efficacy and, especially, safety of CVTE management in neonates.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
In critically ill (preterm) neonates, catheter-related venous thromboembolism (CVTE) can be a life-threatening complication. Evidence on optimal management in the literature is lacking.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This prospective, multicenter, observational study evaluated a national guideline for the management of neonatal catheter-related venous thrombosis, finding a low incidence of recurrent thrombosis and death, though major bleeding occurred in 7.8% of infants, primarily associated with low-molecular-weight heparin administration. The study examines the safety and efficacy of systemic anticoagulant and fibrinolytic interventions in a highly vulnerable population. While leech secretome components possess anticoagulant properties, this study's focus on systemic, neonatal central line thrombosis has virtually no clinical overlap with external hirudotherapy. Therefore, the study holds no direct relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy.
Citation
NEOnatal Central-venous Line Observational study on Thrombosis (NEOCLOT): evaluation of a national guideline on management of neonatal catheter-related venous thrombosis.
van Ommen et al. · Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH, 2022
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