Management of neonatal thrombosis

Pentoxifylline in the treatment of neonatal vasospasm and thromboembolism: An observational case series study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Newborns, particularly preterm babies, are prone to vascular vasospasm and thromboembolism. Differences in the haemostatic system, small vessel diameter and presence of any serious diseases are predisposing causes of thromboembolic disease in newborns. The lack of randomized controlled studies on the management of vasospasm and thromboembolism exacerbates the problem. We present a case series of the successful and safe use of PTX for the treatment of vasospasm and thrombosis in neonates.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive patients treated for vascular spasm and thrombosis. Nine patients diagnosed with vasospasm or thrombosis were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

Five patients had arterial injuries. Six patients were premature, and five patients were diagnosed with thrombosis by using Doppler ultrasonography (US). The drug was diluted with 5% dextrose and administered intravenously at a dose of 5 mg/kg/h over six hours, ranging from 1 to 5 days. No drug-related side effects were observed. All babies recovered, and no amputation was performed.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

PTX may be an alternative treatment for vascular vasospasm and thromboembolism with fewer side effects than anticoagulant and thrombolytic agents in neonates. Starting PTX in the early stages of vascular insult may prevent the development of vasospasm and thromboembolism and thus limb ischaemia.

Thrombosis of the abdominal aorta in newborn: About two cases

BACKGROUND

Aortic thrombosis in neonates is a rare phenomenon, and in most cases iatrogenic. An early recognition of the clinical features and an immediate intervention can offer a better prognosis, and thus preventing morbidity such as limb amputation, and even mortality.

METHODS

We present two cases of full-term newborns with a thrombosis of the abdominal aorta hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech in 2017 and 2019.

RESULTS

The two patients presented swelling and cyanotic lower limbs. Doppler ultrasound revealed a pathological lower limb blood flow as a result of a thrombosis of the abdominal aorta. Both patients underwent an anticoagulant therapy, the first one benefited from a surgical thrombectomy, he developed a reperfusion syndrome with alveolar hemorrhage, and passed away as a result of a cardiorespiratory arrest. However the second patient got amputated of the right foot, his clinical evolution was favorable with a good healing of the surgical wound without recurrence of any thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Through those cases clinicians should be aware of the first clinical signs of this condition in order to offer a rapid and successful management.

Analysis of Characteristics of Peripheral Arterial Ischemia in Premature Babies and Effects of Nitroglycerin Patch Application

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the characteristics of peripheral arterial ischemia and tissue necrosis in premature babies, as well as the effects of nitroglycerin.Methods: In total, 513 newborns were enrolled who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a gestational age of 34 weeks or younger. Data were collected on general personal and clinical information, peripheral arterial ischemia, and nitroglycerin patch application in the premature infants. The collected data were analyzed using the x² test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression.Results: Thirty-six (7.0%) infants had peripheral arterial ischemia, while 477 (93.0%) infants did not. Lower gestational age (x²=35.97, p<.001), lower birth weight (x²=29.40, p<.001), lower blood pressure (x²=23.10, p<.001), and insertion of an umbilical artery catheter (p<.001) were significantly associated with the occurrence of peripheral arterial ischemia. Among the preterm infants in whom nitroglycerin patches were applied, 30 (83.3%) premature infants without necrosis improved without complications, 4 (11.1%) showed hypotension, and 2 (5.6%) showed skin damage.Conclusion: Based on a review of our experiences with nitroglycerin patches, we recommend closely observing skin color and using nitroglycerin patches on the skin to help improve flow in premature infants with peripheral arterial ischemia.

Transient Hemi-Lower Limb Ischemia in the Newborn: Arterial Thrombosis or Persistent Sciatic Artery?

Neonatal thromboembolism occurs with various predispositions and triggers. Early diagnosis of the thrombosis is challenging and essential for the therapeutic interventions. We herein report two newborns who presented with transient hemi-lower limb ischemia due to (1) arterial thrombosis or (2) a persistent sciatic artery (PSA). The patient with arterial thrombosis showed elevations of fibrin degradation product and D-dimer and received antithrombin and heparin intravenously. The patient with PSA was immediately assessed by a contrast-enhanced computed tomography because of a transient ischemic episode with no evidence of hypercoagulability. Newborns suspected of having arterial thrombosis may need urgent surgical intervention along with thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy to prevent organ ischemia and amputation of extremities. Conversely, some PSA cases have reportedly been treated conservatively. This vascular anomaly was previously reported as a cause of lower limb ischemia only in a newborn. PSA is a critical differential diagnosis of neonatal arterial thrombosis that needs urgent therapeutic intervention.

Heparin for the treatment of thrombosis in neonates

BACKGROUND

Among pediatric patients, newborns are at highest risk of developing thromboembolism. Neonatal thromboembolic (TE) events may consist of both venous and arterial thromboses and often iatrogenic complications (eg, central catheterization). Treatment guidelines for pediatric patients with TE events most often are extrapolated from the literature regarding adults. Options for the management of neonatal TE events include expectant management; nitroglycerin ointment; thrombolytic therapy or anticoagulant therapy, or a combination of the two; and surgery. Since the 1990s, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has become the neonatal anticoagulant of choice. Reasons for its appeal include predictable dose response, no need for venous access, and limited monitoring requirements. The overall major complication rate is around 5%. Whether preterm infants are at increased risk is unclear. No data are available on the frequency of osteoporosis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), or other hypersensitivity reactions in children and neonates exposed to LMWH.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether heparin treatment (both unfractionated heparin [UFH] and LMWH) reduces mortality and morbidity rates in preterm and term newborn infants with diagnosed thrombosis. The intervention is compared with placebo or no treatment. Also, to assess the safety of heparin therapy (both UFH and LMWH) for potential harms.Subgroup analyses were planned to examine gestational age, birth weight, mode of thrombus diagnosis, presence of a central line, positive family history for genetic disorders (thrombophilia, deficiency of protein S and protein C, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] mutation), route of heparin administration, type of heparin used, and location of thrombus (see "Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity").

SEARCH METHODS

We used the standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 4), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to May 9, 2016), Embase (1980 to May 9, 2016), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982 to May 9, 2016). We searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized, quasi-randomized, and cluster-randomized controlled trials comparing heparin versus placebo or no treatment in preterm and term neonates with a diagnosis of thrombosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. Two review authors independently assessed studies identified by the search strategy for inclusion.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search strategy yielded 1160 references. Two review authors independently assessed all references for inclusion. We found no completed studies and no ongoing trials for inclusion.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no studies that met our inclusion criteria and no evidence from randomized controlled trials to recommend or refute the use of heparin for treatment of neonates with thrombosis.

Thromboembolism and anticoagulation management in the preterm infant

The incidence of preterm thromboembolism has been increasing due to advances in diagnostic imaging which allow better detection of thrombi in sick preterm infants. At the same time, improvement in neonatal intensive care unit supportive care has increased the number of surviving and living preterm infants with thromboembolic risk factors. Disruption in the fine balance of hemostasis with potential risk factors, specifically septicemia and indwelling catheters, increase the occurrence of thromboembolic events. Treatment strategies in preterm infants are challenging due to limited data.

Thrombosis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Neonates have the highest risk for pathologic thrombosis among pediatric patients. A combination of genetic and acquired risk factors significantly contributes to this risk, with the most important risk factor being the use of central venous catheters. Proper imaging is critical for confirming the diagnosis. Despite a significant number of these events being life- and limb-threatening, there is limited evidence on what the appropriate management strategy should be. Evaluation and treatment of any neonate with a clinically significant thrombosis should occur at a tertiary referral center that has proper support.

Thrombus in the left atrial appendage: a case report of neonate

A Japanese girl first pointed out the mass in the left atrial appendage by the echocardiography on the 3rd day of life. At 30th day of life, the mass in the left atrial appendage was excised en bloc successfully under cardiopulmonary bypass because it appeared mobile. Its pathologic finding revealed an old organised thrombus. She is doing well with no episode of thrombus formation or thromboembolism, 2 years postoperatively.

Neonatal haemostasis and the management of neonatal thrombosis

Two detailed reviews of the management of neonatal thrombosis were published in 2012; one was an up-dated version of guidance first issued in 2004 and the other was a comprehensive review. Both of these publications gave very similar advice regarding the practical aspects of the indications, dosage and management of antithrombotic therapy. The authors stated that the evidence supporting most of their recommendations for anti-thrombotic therapy in neonates remained weak and so the therapy for a neonate with a thrombosis has to be based on an individualized assessment of estimated risk versus potential benefit. The aim of this present review is to give the treating physician an outline of the unique physiology of neonatal coagulation and how this affects the monitoring, dosing and even the choice of therapeutic strategy for the management of thrombosis in the neonate.

Routine surveillance ultrasound for the management of central venous catheters in neonates

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the frequency of central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombi detected by routine surveillance ultrasound, and to assess whether positive findings had an impact on management or outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

All neonates in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit who had a CVC inserted for >14 days underwent routine surveillance ultrasound biweekly between January 2003 and December 2009. Data were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Although all neonates were asymptomatic at time of surveillance ultrasound, 645 of the total 1333 CVCs inserted in 1012 neonates underwent surveillance ultrasound, and thrombi were detected in 69 (10.7%). The CVCs with thrombi were more likely to be removed for nonelective reasons compared with CVCs without thrombi (59% vs 38%; P = .001; OR, 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-3.9). A total of 955 surveillance ultrasounds were performed to detect and monitor 69 CVCs with thrombi. The majority of thrombi were nonocclusive and nonprogressive. A change in management occurred in 8 cases of CVC-related thrombi (12%), or 1% of all screened cases. An average of 14 ultrasounds were required to detect and monitor 1 CVC with thrombus, at a cost of $951 per CVC with thrombus and $8106 per case of CVC-related thrombi with a change in treatment.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic thrombi were detected in a significant proportion of CVCs by routine surveillance ultrasound. There were significant costs, but infrequent changes to patient management.

Intrauterine upper limb ischemia: an unusual presentation of fetal thrombophilia-a case report and review of the literature

Upper limb ischemia presenting in neonatal period is extremely rare. Moreover, presenting newborn with evidence of intrauterine upper limb vascular occlusion is even rarer. It needs prompt intervention to restore perfusion and avoid morbidity. We present a newborn with right upper limb brachial artery thrombosis causing ischemia that was noted at birth and appeared later to be homozygous for factor V Leiden and glycoprotein IIIa with no other identifiable risk factors. In this report, we present the case, its successful medical management, proper counseling, and review of the literature. We recommend investigating the neonates and their parents for thrombophilia mutations when they present with unusual vascular occlusion site as newborns.