Short term outcome of neonatal venous thromboembolism in anticoagulated versus observed patients.
Research article published in Thrombosis research (2024)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Advancements in the medical field and increased survival of premature infants have led to a rise of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in neonates. Neonatal hemostasis exists in a delicate balance with a propensity towards pro-coagulation. Current recommendations include careful observation, therapeutic anti-coagulation and in some cases thrombolysis. We hypothesize that a sub-group of neonates may not require anti-coagulation and could be safely observed thus reducing their risk of bleeding complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with VTE admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Oklahoma University Children's Hospital from October 2009-October 2019. Patients were selected if they had an ICD-9 or ICD-10 code specific for a VTE or if screening with CPT codes for diagnostic imaging including echocardiogram, venous dopplers and computed topographic/magnetic resonance venogram revealed the word 'thrombus', 'clot' or 'venous thromboembolism'. Data were collected about demographics, medical history, co-morbidities, thrombosis characteristics, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 211 patients were screened and 119 patients were eligible and included in the study. The majority of patients (85 %) had a central venous catheter (CVC) associated VTE. Two-thirds of patients (n = 81, 68 %) received therapeutic anti-coagulation while one-third (n = 38, 32 %) were observed. The group that received anticoagulation had a significantly older age at diagnosis and had a higher frequency of bacteremia, congenital heart disease and presence of symptoms. There was no difference in the odds of complete resolution between patients who were treated with therapeutic anti-coagulation and those that were observed (OR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 0.59-3.20, p-value: 0.47). Univariate analysis revealed maternal preeclampsia (OR: 0.2, 95 % CI: 0.05-0.82, p-value = 0.025), maternal history of chronic hypertension (OR: 0.17, 95 % CI: 0.04-0.68, p-value = 0.01), and presence of complete occlusion (OR = 0.37, 95 % CI: 0.15-0.91, p-value = 0.03) significantly reduced the odds of complete resolution. Furthermore, having a VTE related to a CVC in an extremity versus an ECMO cannula or cardiac catheterization significantly improved the odds of VTE resolution (OR = 5.94, 95 % CI: 1.30-27.20, p-value = 0.022). Using a stepwise regression model, maternal history of chronic hypertension remained significant for a reduced odds of VTE resolution (OR: 0.14, 95 % CI 0.025-0.73, p-value: 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term outcome of neonatal VTE does not seem to differ between those that were anticoagulated and those that were observed with serial imaging.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Advancements in the medical field and increased survival of premature infants have led to a rise of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in neonates. Neonatal hemostasis exists in a delicate balance with a propensity towards pro-coagulation. Current recommendations include careful observation, therapeutic anti-coagulation and in some cases thrombolysis.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de un solo centro comparó a 119 neonatos con tromboembolismo venoso (VTE), de los cuales aproximadamente dos tercios recibieron anticoagulación terapéutica y un tercio fueron observados, y no encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las probabilidades de resolución completa del coágulo entre los grupos tratado y observado (OR 1.37, IC 95% 0.59-3.20). El hallazgo es relevante para el panorama más amplio de la evidencia sobre anticoagulación que enmarca la base racional del descubrimiento de fármacos de la hirudoterapia, destacando cómo el riesgo frente al beneficio de la anticoagulación aún se está definiendo incluso en poblaciones vulnerables; no estudia sanguijuelas ni ninguna molécula derivada de sanguijuelas. Como estudio observacional y retrospectivo en una sola institución, es solo generador de hipótesis, vulnerable al sesgo de selección (los lactantes más enfermos o de mayor edad fueron anticoagulados) y no puede establecer que la omisión de la anticoagulación sea segura; no debe interpretarse como un respaldo clínico de la hirudoterapia.
Citación
Short term outcome of neonatal venous thromboembolism in anticoagulated versus observed patients.
Beg KA et al. · Thrombosis research, 2024
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026