Dr. Abigail Amankwa-Boateng Highlights the Hidden Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Children
Dr. Abigail Amankwa-Boateng, Paediatric Resident, West African College Of Physicians and Ghana College Of Physicians and Surgeons, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Children: A Case That Highlights the Need for Awareness!
VTE is often overlooked in pediatrics, yet hospitalized children, especially those with prolonged ICU stays, central venous catheters (CVCs), and underlying conditions, are at risk.
This morning, I presented a case of an 8-year-old girl who developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left thigh after a prolonged PICU stay and central venous catheter placement. Despite initial negative Doppler ultrasound findings, a repeat scan revealed thrombi in the left common and superficial femoral veins, with significant occlusion (73% and 67%).
Takeaways from This Case:
- VTE in children is underdiagnosed:The initial Doppler scan missed the clot, emphasizing the importance of repeat imaging when clinical suspicion is high.
- CVCs are a major risk factor: Over ⅓ of pediatric VTE cases are catheter-related, yet routine screening in high-risk children is not standard practice.
- Early detection is crucial: Prompt anticoagulation successfully reduced the clot and prevented complications.
Why Should We Talk About Pediatric VTE?
- Rising incidence; Hospital-based cases are increasing, likely due to better recognition and longer hospital stays.
- Often asymptomatic; Up to 75% of CVC-related VTE cases in children show no symptoms, making awareness and preventive strategies vital.
- Potential complications: Pulmonary embolism (PE) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) can significantly impact a child’s long-term health.
This case was successfully managed through the collaborative efforts of an incredible team.
Special appreciation to Dr. Hilary Andoh and Dr. Yvonne Brew for their support and guidance and to the heam/Onco specialists we consulted during the management (Dr. Fiado and Dr. Nihad Salifu) for their expertise in managing the case.
And last but not the least, our hardworking house officers who keep the team running!
A big thank you to the PICU team, whose dedication during the patient’s stay at PICU made all the difference!
A Call to Action
I believe we need to increase awareness, improve screening protocols, and advocate for standardized VTE prevention in hospitalized children.
Have you encountered pediatric VTE in your practice? How do you approach screening and management? Let’s discuss in the comments!”
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