Outcomes and risk factors of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism in children: a retrospective cohort study

Pulmonary Thrombotic Complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Chinese Children: Clinical Feature and Risk Factor Analysis

BACKGROUND

Thrombotic disease is a rare but severe complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children, with pulmonary thrombosis (PT) being the most frequent type. This study aims to describe the clinical features of pediatric severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) patients with PT, and to identify risk factors predictive of PT development in this population.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 60 children with SMPP complicated by PT who were admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to October 2023. We reviewed their demographic data, laboratory tests and imaging examinations to describe their clinical features. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify significant risk factors for PT in SMPP.

RESULTS

The PT group exhibited higher incidences of chest pain, hemoptysis, inflammation and elevated D-dimer levels, as well as more severe pulmonary damage and transaminitis complication, compared to the non-PT group. The left pulmonary artery was the predominant location of PT in SMPP children. A multivariate analysis revealed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer were significant predictors of PT in SMPP patients, with odds ratios of 1.10 and 3.37, respectively. The optimal cutoff values of CRP and D-dimer for predicting PT in SMPP were 76.73 mg/L and 3.98 µg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In SMPP, CRP >76.73 mg/L and D-dimer >3.98 µg/mL are independent predictors of PT. These findings suggest that SMPP-induced excessive inflammation may contribute to PT pathogenesis. Early and intensive anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and antimycoplasma therapy may improve the disease course and prognosis.

Uncovering Risk Factors and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism in a Nationwide Cohort of Hospitalized Children

PURPOSE

The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in hospitalized children has increased in recent years. This study sought to characterize factors and outcomes associated with PE using a national pediatric cohort.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried (2016-2018) for patients (<18 years) with a diagnosis of PE. Index and prior hospitalizations (PHs) within 1 year were analyzed. A binary logistic regression utilizing 37 covariates (demographics, procedures, comorbidities, etc.) was constructed to examine a primary outcome of in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

3440 patients were identified (57% female) with the majority >12 years old (77%). One-third had a known deep vein thrombosis (69% lower and 31% upper extremity). Nineteen percent underwent central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Twenty-one percent had a PH within 1 year. Nine percent underwent an operation with the majority being cardiothoracic (5%). Overall mortality was 5%. Neurocranial surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and CVC placement were associated with the highest odds of inpatient mortality after logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients with PE have a high rate of PHs, CVC placement, and inpatient operations, which may be associated with higher mortality. This information can be utilized to improve screening measures and clinical suspicion for PE in hospitalized children.

Pediatric pulmonary thromboembolism: a 3-year Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program study

BACKGROUND

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare event associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Awareness of clinical presentation and practices unique to children may aid clinicians in prompt identification and treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic practices, and short-term outcomes of pediatric PE.

METHODS

We conducted a 3-year national surveillance study through the Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program. Over 2800 pediatric specialists and subspecialists were contacted monthly from 2020 to 2022 and requested to report all new cases of PE in patients up to 18 years of age. Case-specific data were obtained through voluntary completion of a detailed questionnaire.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight cases (78% female, n = 45) were reported (2.4 cases per million children), with rates highest in adolescents 15 to 18 years (6.6 cases per million). Detailed information, available for 31 (53%) cases, documented at least 1 risk factor in 28 (90%) cases; 24 (77%) patients presented with 2 or more symptoms. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography was used for diagnostic confirmation in 25 (81%) cases. Anticoagulation was initiated in 24 (77%) of 31 cases; fewer than 5 patients underwent thrombolysis or surgical interventions. Of 28 patients who received therapeutic interventions, 8 (29%) experienced treatment-related complications. Fewer than 5 mortalities were reported.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric PE is a rare event, with female adolescents at the highest risk. Although the presentation is often nonspecific, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients with risk factors and when other diagnoses that may explain symptoms have been excluded.

Considerations for instituting pediatric pulmonary embolism response teams: A tool kit

The incidence of pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) has increased by 200 % in the last decade, but at a single center, it is still infrequent. Given the unique epidemiologic features of pediatric PE, diagnosis is often delayed, and the management is empiric, based on individual physician experience or preference. Thus, there is a strong need for center-specific uniform management of pediatric PE patients. In adults, the development of pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) or PE critical care pathways has shortened the time to diagnosis and the initiation of definitive management. Evidence to support an improvement in PE outcomes after the development of PERTs does not exist in children. Nonetheless, we have summarized the practical practice guidelines that physicians and institutions can adopt to establish their institutional PERTs or critical pathways. We also provide strategies for resource-challenged institutions for partnering with centers with expertise in the management of pediatric PE.

Incidence, Management, and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism at Tertiary Pediatric Hospitals in the United States

Background

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare and potentially life-threatening. Though thrombolysis and thrombectomy are increasingly used in adult PE, trends in pediatric treatment and outcomes remain incompletely described.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of PE, proportion of cases treated with anticoagulation alone, systemic thrombolysis, and directed therapy (local thrombolysis and thrombectomy), clinical outcomes, and total costs.

Methods

A multicenter observational study was performed using administrative data from the Pediatric Health Information System database to study PE treated at U.S. pediatric hospitals from 2015 to 2021. Outcomes by treatment were evaluated using multivariable generalized linear mixed effects models.

Results

Of 3,136 subjects, 70% were at least 12 years of age, and 46% were male. Sixty-two percent had at least 1 comorbidity, and congenital heart disease of any kind was the most prevalent (20%). Eighty-eight percent of subjects received anticoagulation alone, 7% received systemic thrombolysis, and 5% received directed therapy. Overall in-hospital mortality was 7.5%. Treatment approach did not change over time (P = 0.98). After adjusting for patient characteristics, directed therapy was associated with a lower risk of mortality (adjusted percentage -3%, [95% CI: -5% to 0%]) than anticoagulation alone. Systemic thrombolysis was associated with a greater total cost of hospitalization ($113,043 greater [95% CI: $62,866, $163,219]). Length of hospital stay did not differ by treatment.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with PE have a high incidence of underlying chronic disease. Anticoagulation alone remains the mainstay of treatment, with thrombolysis and thrombectomy rarely being used. Given the relative rarity of pediatric PE, additional research requiring innovative study designs is paramount.

Dabigatran for Treatment and Secondary Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is common in children and associated with greater risk of thrombotic complications. Management of these complications with standard-of-care treatment is suboptimal for these children.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effectiveness and safety of dabigatran were demonstrated in pivotal pediatric studies for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE; NCT01895777) and secondary VTE prevention (NCT02197416). We report safety and efficacy outcomes from subgroup analyses of these studies for children with CHD (diagnosed according to local practice) and those without. In NCT01895777, 17/21 (81.0%) and 16/27 (59.3%) patients with CHD (including cyanotic) treated with dabigatran and standard of care, respectively, met the primary end point (complete thrombus resolution, freedom from recurrent VTE, and freedom from VTE-related death; odds ratio [OR], 0.34 [95% CI, 0.08-1.23]). In patients without CHD, 41.0% (n=64) versus 34.9% (n=22) achieved this end point with the respective treatments (OR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.42-1.41]). Although numerical differences were observed, no heterogeneity in treatment effect of dabigatran on the composite primary end point was detected in patients with and without CHD (interaction P =0.2674). In NCT02197416, recurrent VTE at 12 months occurred in 0/17 patients with CHD versus 3/194 (1.5%) without. No patient with CHD experienced major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events.

CONCLUSIONS

Data on favorable anticoagulant alternatives for the unmet needs of children with CHD are emerging, and our exploratory results suggest that dabigatran could be an appropriate treatment choice, although challenging sample size limitations in pediatric studies require cautious interpretation of findings.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT01895777, NCT02197416.

Long-term outcomes of pulmonary embolism in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT

Knowledge regarding the long-term consequences of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children is limited. This cohort study describes the long-term outcomes of PE in children who were followed-up at a single-center institution using a local protocol that included clinical evaluation, chest imaging, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests at follow-up, starting 3 to 6 months after acute PE. Children objectively diagnosed with PE at age 0 to 18 years, who had ≥6 months of follow-up were included. Study outcomes consisted of PE resolution, PE recurrence, death, and functional outcomes (dyspnea, impaired pulmonary or cardiac function, impaired aerobic capacity, and post-PE syndrome). The frequency of outcomes was compared between patients with/without underlying conditions. In total, 150 patients were included; median age at PE was 16 years (25th-75th percentile, 14-17 years); 61% had underlying conditions. PE did not resolve in 29%, recurrence happened in 9%, and death in 5%. One-third of patients had at least 1 documented abnormal functional finding at follow-up (ventilatory impairments, 31%; impaired aerobic capacity, 31%; dyspnea, 26%; and abnormal diffusing capacity of the lungs to carbon monoxide, 22%). Most abnormalities were transient. When alternative explanations for the impairments were considered, the frequency of post-PE syndrome was lower, ranging between 0.7% and 8.5%. Patients with underlying conditions had significantly higher recurrence, more pulmonary function and ventilatory impairments, and poorer exercise capacity. Exercise intolerance was, in turn, most frequently because of deconditioning than to respiratory or cardiac limitation, highlighting the importance of physical activity promotion in children with PE.

Risk factors and clinical impact of thrombosis during induction chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from CYP-C

Thromboembolism (TE) is associated with reduced survival in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It has been hypothesized that TE might signal leukemic aggressiveness. The objective was to determine risk factors for TE during ALL induction (TEind ) therapy and whether TEind is associated with treatment refractoriness. This retrospective cohort study using the population-based Cancer in Young People Canada (CYP-C) registry included children <15 years of age diagnosed with ALL (2000-2019) and treated at one of 12 Canadian pediatric centers outside of Ontario. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors for TEind and whether TEind predicted induction failure and ALL treatment intensification. The impact of TEind on overall and event-free survival was estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The study included 2589 children, of which 45 (1.7%) developed a TEind . Age (<1 year and ≥10 years vs. 1-<10 years), T-cell phenotype, high-risk ALL, and central nervous system involvement were all associated with TEind in univariate analysis. Age and T-cell phenotype remained independent predictors of TEind in multivariable analysis. Induction failure occurred in 53 patients (2.1%). TEind was not associated with induction failure (OR: not estimable) or treatment intensification (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.26-1.69]). TEind was independently associated with overall survival (adjusted HR [95% CI]: 2.54 [1.20-5.03]) but not event-free survival (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.86 [0.98-3.51]). In this population-based study of children treated with contemporary chemotherapy protocols, TEind was associated with age and T-cell phenotype and mortality but did not predict induction failure.

American Society of Hematology, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panamena de Hematología, Sociedad Peruana de Hematología, and SVH 2023 guidelines for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism and for its management in special populations in Latin America

Implementation of international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity). The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations about the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its management in children and during pregnancy. We used the GRADE ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 3 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (diagnosis of VTE, VTE in pregnancy, and VTE in the pediatric population). ASH and 12 local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprising medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 10 questions about the diagnosis of VTE and 18 questions about its management in special populations that were relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context. In comparison with the original guideline, there were significant changes in 2 of 10 diagnostic recommendations (changes in the diagnostic algorithms) and in 9 of 18 management recommendations (4 changed direction and 5 changed strength). This guideline ADOLOPMENT project highlighted the importance of contextualizing recommendations in other settings based on differences in values, resources, feasibility, and health equity impact.

Biomarkers in pediatric venous thromboembolism: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Accurate prediction of the individual risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains suboptimal in children, and biomarkers are currently not used to stratify the risk of VTE in children.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess which biological or radiological biomarkers may predict VTE or VTE complications in children.

PATIENTS/METHODS

A literature search was performed for peer-reviewed publications (1990-2022). We included studies addressing the use of biomarkers for patients aged 29 days to 18 years to predict VTE or its complications, including but not limited to TE-related death, VTE recurrence, or postthrombotic syndrome. Given the heterogeneity of the study designs, populations, and outcomes, no quantitative data synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Forty studies were included, totaling 10,987 participants (median age: 4.7 years). Reports were often lacking critical methodological data, including blood collection method (68% of studies) and timepoints, laboratory testing technique (41%), or primary outcome definition (20%). Forty-six individual biomarkers were assessed for VTE prediction (32 studies, 9525 participants), including d-dimers, fibrinogen, platelet count, white blood cell count, and factor VIII. Albumin, C-reactive protein, d-dimers, factor VIII, and thrombin-antithrombin levels showed promising results for VTE prediction. In 9 studies (1606 participants), no biomarker was consistently predictive of postthrombotic syndrome, VTE persistence, or VTE recurrence in children.

CONCLUSIONS

Several candidate biomarkers were promising in the prediction of VTE in children. Still, discrepancies between different studies and the high risk of bias from the current literature prevent their widespread use in the clinical setting. Further prospective research in various pediatric subpopulations is required.

The utility of risk assessment tools for acute pulmonary embolism in children

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening disease in children. The objective of the study is to evaluate the utility of adult-based pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC), Pediatric PE Model, and D-dimer in the diagnosis of PE in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study consisted of patients under 18 years of age who were consulted to the Pediatric Pulmonology Clinic for the evaluation of PE. Patients were divided into two groups based on the confirmation of PE. The group with the presence of PE (n = 20) consisted of children who were diagnosed with PE. The group with the absence of PE (n = 28) consisted of children with clinically suspected PE but negative diagnostic imaging. Adult validated clinical decision PERC rule and Pediatric PE Model were retrospectively applied to the patients.

RESULTS

In the study, PERC demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 46% for the diagnosis of PE in children. When PE Model was evaluated for the children, it was found a 50% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Combining PE Model and PERC rule with D-dimer did not increase the specificity and sensitivity. Smoking was found to be relevant for PE in the childhood. Twenty-five percent of the patients had a genetic tendency for PE. All of the patients had an underlying disease as well.

CONCLUSION

None of the current risk assessment tools (PE Model, PERC, D-dimer) were found to be accurate in predicting PE. Further larger population studies are still required to develop a better diagnostic approach.

Acute Management of High-Risk and Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism in Children: A Review

Severe forms of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children, althought rare, cause significant morbidity and mortality. We review the pathophysiologic features of severe (high-risk and intermediate-risk) PE and suggest novel pediatric-specific risk stratifications and an acute treatment algorithm to expedite emergent decision-making. We defined pediatric high-risk PE as causing cardiopulmonary arrest, sustained hypotension, or normotension with signs or symptoms of shock. Rapid primary reperfusion should be pursued with either surgical embolectomy or systemic thrombolysis in conjunction with a heparin infusion and supportive care as appropriate. We defined pediatric intermediate-risk PE as a lack of systemic hypotension or compensated shock, but with evidence of right ventricular strain by imaging, myocardial necrosis by elevated cardiac troponin levels, or both. The decision to pursue primary reperfusion in this group is complex and should be reserved for patients with more severe disease; anticoagulation alone also may be appropriate in these patients. If primary reperfusion is pursued, catheter-based therapies may be beneficial. Acute management of severe PE in children may include systemic thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy, catheter-based therapies, or anticoagulation alone and may depend on patient and institutional factors. Pediatric emergency and intensive care physicians should be familiar with the risks and benefits of each therapy to expedite care. PE response teams also may have added benefit in streamlining care during these critical events.

Massive Saddle Pulmonary Embolism in a Preterm Neonate With Successful Emergent Open Embolectomy

Pulmonary embolism in the neonate is a rare, life-threatening emergency. Risk factors for neonatal pulmonary embolism (PE) include sepsis, asphyxia, prematurity, and vascular catheterisation. We report the case of a preterm neonate with a massive saddle pulmonary thrombosis of unidentified etiology. Prompt diagnosis by cardiology allowed an emergent lifesaving open surgical thrombectomy, underscoring the importance of efficient multidisciplinary teamwork. Pediatric health-care professionals must be aware of this rare entity when initial oxygen desaturation management fails, even when obvious risk factors for PE are not apparent. We emphasise the importance of seamless multidisciplinary communication and proactive surgical consultation.

Dual-energy spectral CT imaging of pulmonary embolism with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children has already attracted more attention. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has been the preferred method for diagnosing PE, but it has some limitations, especially for children. Dual-energy spectral CT has been used in diagnosing PE in adults.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the application of dual-energy spectral CT in diagnosing PE in children with MPP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-three children with MPP and highly suspected PE, underwent CTPA with spectral imaging mode, 25 children were diagnosis with PE. Noise, clot-to-artery contrast-to-noise ratio, image quality and diagnosis confidence were calculated and assessed on nine monochromatic image sets (40 to 80 keV). CTPA images were observed for the presence, localization and embolic degrees of PE. Clots were divided into intra- and extra-consolidation clots. For extra-consolidation clots, iodine concentration (IC) of perfusion defects and normal lung, perfusion defects of four children before and after the treatment were measured and compared. For intra-consolidation clots, IC of consolidation areas with clots and consolidation areas without clot were measured and compared.

RESULTS

The optimal energy level for detecting PE in children was 55 keV. 116 clots (29 extra-consolidations) were found, IC of defect regions was 0.69 ± 0.28 mg/mL (extra-consolidations) and 0.90 ± 0.23 mg/mL (intra-consolidations), both significantly lower than the 2.76 ± 0.45 mg/mL in normal lungs and 10.25 ± 1.76 mg/mL in consolidations without clots (P < 0.001). Significant difference was found in the presence or absence of perfusion defects between occlusive clots and nonocclusive clots (P < 0.001). IC of the perfusion defects significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In dual-energy spectral CTPA, 55 keV images optimize PE detection for children, and MD images quantify pulmonary blood flow of PE, and may help to detect small clots and quantify embolic degrees.

Pulmonary embolism in pediatric age: A retrospective study from a tertiary center

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare but associated with adverse outcomes. We aimed to characterize PE cases admitted in a tertiary hospital and to evaluate sensitivity of selected PE diagnostic prediction tools.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive study of PE cases admitted from 2008 to 2020 using data collected from hospital records. Patients were grouped according to PE severity and setting (outpatients vs. inpatients). Links and correlation with demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were analyzed. PE diagnostic prediction tools were applied.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine PE episodes occurred in 27 patients, 62.9% female, mean age 14.1 years. Most PE were central and split between massive or submassive. One was diagnosed in autopsy. Twenty outpatients, all adolescents, were admitted for classic PE symptoms; in half of them the diagnosis had been previously missed. Risk factors included contraceptives (65%), thrombophilia (35%), obesity (20%) and auto-immunity (20%). Eight inpatients, diagnosed during cardiorespiratory deterioration (n = 5), or through incidental radiological findings (n = 3), were younger and had immobilization (87.5%), complex chronic diseases (75%), infections (75%) and central venous catheter (62.5%) as risk factors. Retrospectively, d -dimer testing and adult scores performed better than pediatric scores (sensitivity 92.9%-96% vs. 85.7%-92.9%). Both pediatric scores missed a case with a positive family history.

DISCUSSION

Pediatric PE diagnosis is often delayed or missed. Development of pediatric prediction tools from validated adult scores merits being explored. We argue clinical presentation and risk factors may be different in inpatients and outpatients and propose broader reliance on family history.

Thrombosis is associated with worse survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from CYP-C

There are conflicting data about whether the development of cancer-associated thrombo-embolism (TE) negatively impacts survival in children. The objective was to determine whether TE during treatment was associated with overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Cancer in Young People-Canada registry. Children <15 years of age were diagnosed with de novo ALL (2000-2016). The primary exposure variable was radiologically-confirmed thrombo-embolism requiring medical intervention. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the impact of thrombo-embolism on survival, where TE was time-dependent. We included 2006 children (median age: 4 years, 88.5% precursor B-cell ALL). Thrombo-embolism occurred in 113 patients (5.6%), at a median time of 107 days (interquartile range: 35-184 days) after ALL diagnosis. Among standard/low-risk patients, 41/1165 (3.5%) developed TE while among high/very high-risk patients, 72/841 (8.6%) developed TE. Patients with TE had a significantly worse OS (adjusted HR [aHR] of death: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.62-4.22, p < 0.001) and EFS (aHR of an event [death, relapse, second malignancy]: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.35-3.05, p = 0.001), compared with patients without TE. No statistically significant difference was seen in standard/low risk ALL for OS and EFS, but TE was associated with a significantly lower OS and EFS in children with high/very high-risk ALL (aHR of death: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.79-4.72, p < 0.001; aHR of an event: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.30-3.12, p = 0.002). Thus, TE led to a statistically significant reduction in OS and EFS in children with high risk/very high-risk leukemia.

[Paediatric Life Support]

The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Paediatric Life Support (PLS) guidelines are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This section provides guidelines on the management of critically ill or injured infants, children and adolescents before, during and after respiratory/cardiac arrest.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Paediatric Life Support

These European Resuscitation Council Paediatric Life Support (PLS) guidelines, are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the management of critically ill infants and children, before, during and after cardiac arrest.

Patients with Lemierre syndrome have a high risk of new thromboembolic complications, clinical sequelae and death: an analysis of 712 cases

BACKGROUND

Lemierre syndrome is characterized by head/neck vein thrombosis and septic embolism usually complicating an acute oropharyngeal bacterial infection in adolescents and young adults. We described the course of Lemierre syndrome in the contemporary era.

METHODS

In our individual-level analysis of 712 patients (2000-2017), we included cases described as Lemierre syndrome if these criteria were met: (i) primary site of bacterial infection in the head/neck; (ii) objectively confirmed local thrombotic complications or septic embolism. The study outcomes were new or recurrent venous thromboembolism or peripheral septic lesions, major bleeding, all-cause death and clinical sequelae.

RESULTS

The median age was 21 (Q1-Q3: 17-33) years, and 295 (41%) were female. At diagnosis, acute thrombosis of head/neck veins was detected in 597 (84%) patients, septic embolism in 582 (82%) and both in 468 (80%). After diagnosis and during in-hospital follow-up, new venous thromboembolism occurred in 34 (5.2%, 95% CI 3.8-7.2%) patients, new peripheral septic lesions became evident in 76 (11.7%; 9.4-14.3%). The rate of either was lower in patients who received anticoagulation (OR: 0.59; 0.36-0.94), higher in those with initial intracranial involvement (OR: 2.35; 1.45-3.80). Major bleeding occurred in 19 patients (2.9%; 1.9-4.5%), and 26 died (4.0%; 2.7-5.8%). Clinical sequelae were reported in 65 (10.4%, 8.2-13.0%) individuals, often consisting of cranial nerve palsy (n = 24) and orthopaedic limitations (n = 19).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Lemierre syndrome were characterized by a substantial risk of new thromboembolic complications and death. This risk was higher in the presence of initial intracranial involvement. One-tenth of survivors suffered major clinical sequelae.

Thrombolysis in Children: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Thromboembolism (TE), including venous thromboembolism (VTE), arterial TE, arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), and myocardial infarction (MI), is considered a relatively rare complication in the pediatric population. Yet, the incidence is rising, especially in hospitalized children. The vast majority of pediatric TE occurs in the setting of at least one identifiable risk factor. Most recently, acute COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have demonstrated an increased risk for TE development. The mainstay for the management pediatric TE has been anticoagulation. Thrombolytic therapy is employed more frequently in adult patients with ample data supporting its use. The data for thrombolysis in pediatric patients is more limited, but the utilization of this therapy is becoming more commonplace in tertiary care pediatric hospitals. Understanding the data on thrombolysis use in pediatric TE and the involved risks is critical before initiating one of these therapies. In this paper, we present the case of an adolescent male with acute fulminant myocarditis and cardiogenic shock likely secondary to MIS-C requiring extracorporeal life support (ECLS) who developed an extensive thrombus burden that was successfully resolved utilizing four simultaneous catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) infusions in addition to a review of the literature on the use of thrombolytic therapy in children.

Pulmonary embolism in acute lymphoblastic leukemia - An observational study of 1685 patients treated according to the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We examined the cumulative incidence and clinical presentation of PE in a well-defined cohort of patients with ALL aged 1-45 years treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 protocol.

METHODS

As part of the mandatory toxicity reporting of NOPHO ALL2008, thromboembolism including PE was reported consecutively. The cumulative incidence of first-time PE was calculated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator during a 2.5-year period from ALL diagnosis. We used Fisher's exact test to examine categorical variables and Cox logistic regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for PE.

RESULTS

PE was diagnosed in 32 of 1685 patients. The 2.5-year cumulative incidence of first-time PE increased with age: 0.43% (95% CI, 0.18-1.03) in children aged 1-9 years, 3.28% (95% CI, 1.72-6.22) in children aged 10-17 years, and 7.22% (95% CI, 4.61-11.21) in adults aged 18-45 years. The majority of PEs, 78% (25/32), occurred during asparaginase treatment. HRs adjusted for age and sex were associated with male sex (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0-5.6) and older age (10-17 years: HR 7.5; 95% CI, 2.5-22.2), 18-45 years: HR, 16.5; 95% CI, 6.1-44.5). In two-thirds of the patients (63%; 17/27), PE and its treatment had no impact on the administered doses of asparaginase. PE-associated 30-day mortality was 9.4% (95% CI, 1.9-25.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of PE is warranted during ALL treatment. Larger multicenter studies are needed to examine predictors of PE in ALL.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for submassive pulmonary embolism in children: A case series

Incidence of venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism (PE), continues to rise in children. Optimum management of submassive PE is unclear. The principal objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the radiological and clinical outcomes in children with submassive PE treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Five patients underwent six episodes of CDT. No patient developed major/clinically relevant non-major bleeding. Most patients had complete radiological thrombus resolution and no patient had evidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. There is an urgent need for larger prospective cohort studies/randomized controlled trials to investigate the role of CDT in pediatric PE.

Pediatric Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe and compare patient and event characteristics and outcomes in pediatric massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) and submassive pulmonary embolism (SMPE).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study at a quaternary-care pediatric hospital was conducted. Patients age <19 years with MPE (acute pulmonary embolism [PE] with cardiac arrest, hypotension, or compensated shock due to PE) or SMPE (right ventricular strain due to acute PE) between January 1997 and June 2019 were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were identified, including 9 (27%) patients with MPE and 24 (73%) patients with SMPE. The most commonly identified risk factor was use of oral contraceptive pills in 16 (49%) patients. Six (18%) patients died, 3 (9%) of which were PE-related deaths. Before PE, patients with MPE were more likely to be hospitalized (89% vs 13%, P < .001), have major comorbidities (89% vs 25%, P = .002), central venous catheters (67% vs 17%, P = .01), critical illness (56% vs 8%, P = .009), immobility (67% vs 13%, P = .005), and be postoperative (44% vs 4%, P = .01). MPE patients were also more likely to die before discharge (56% vs 4%, P = .003). Both groups were equally likely to have primary reperfusion attempts (78% of MPE versus 67% of SMPE, P = .69).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric MPE and SMPE differed in presentation, comorbidities, and risk factors, many of which were associated with hospitalization status. Pediatric-specific studies are warranted to determine risk assessment and management strategies, which may differ from adult guidelines.