Pediatric venous thrombo-embolic events (VTE) are traditionally thought to be rare with a reported rate of 0.07 cases per 10,000 children.1 One retrospective study has reported a 70%-increase in VTE from 2001 to 2007.2 Other studies have reported a range from 4.9 to 8 per 10,000 ad-missions.3"5 The increase in the incidence of VTE may be due in part to heightened awareness of VTE in the pediatric population. The incidence of VTE can vary based on patient age. Venous thromboembolic events is most common in neonates and infants, followed by adolescents. Interestingly, children between ages 6 to 10 years have a decreased incidence compared to the 2 former groups.1'3 It has been postulated that VTE incidence peaks in neonates and infants in part because of their small blood vessel diameter, immature hematological system, and the presence of central venous catheters.
展开▼
