Thrombophilia States and Markers of Coagulation Activation in the Prediction of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolic Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis with Respect to Adult Evidence

Abstract

Abstract Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children is an important clinical concern for which risk factors include clinical conditions that incite venous stasis, endothelial damage, or thrombophilia (i.e., hypercoagulability) states. Acquired thrombophilia and markers of coagulation activation are common in pediatric VTE, while potent genetic thrombophilia states are less frequently encountered; nevertheless, the latter are more likely to present in the pediatric age than in older adulthood. Sequelae of VTE and its treatment in childhood survivors include bleeding, persistent or progressive thrombosis, recurrent VTE, and (when venous return from a limb is affected) the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The focus of the present review is to discuss the role of tests of thrombophilia and coagulation activation as key predictors of outcome in this disease. Based upon this understanding, coupled with existing knowledge of clinical prognostic factors, new risk-stratified approaches of antithrombotic therapy have emerged for clinical investigation in the field of pediatric VTE.