Systemic Catheter-Related Venous Thromboembolism in Children: Data From the Italian Registry of Pediatric Thrombosis

Percutaneous Image-Guided Treatment of Pediatric Deep-Vein Occlusions

Pediatric venous occlusions are a growing cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in hospitalized patients. Catheter-directed recanalization is a safe and effective treatment option in appropriately selected patients. Benefits of catheter directed therapies (CDTs) include the prevention of pulmonary embolism and end organ failure acutely as well as superior vena cava syndrome and post-thrombotic syndrome chronically. Timely diagnosis, recognition of underlying factors for thrombosis, and familiarity with the spectrum of tools and techniques for CDT are essential to optimizing outcomes in the acute setting. Recanalization of chronic venous occlusions can similarly provide symptomatic relief and achieve long term vessel patency. This review will detail the scope, techniques, and outcomes for CDT in the treatment of acquired systemic deep vein occlusions.

Cyanoacrylate glue as part of a new bundle to decrease neonatal PICC-related complications

A "bundle" is defined as a combination of evidence-based interventions that, if followed collectively and reliably, improve patient outcomes. The aim of this quasi-experimental study, conducted in a level-III NICU in Belgium, was to assess the impact of central line dressing and maintenance bundle implementation on the rate of catheter-related mechanical complications. We performed a quality improvement (QI) project. Prior to bundle implementation, neonatal PICC lines were secured by Steri-Strip® and occlusive dressing. We implemented a new PICC bundle consisting of the use of glue, sutureless device (Griplock®), and a transparent dressing to secure the catheter to the skin. We compared the rate of infections, mechanical complications, and dislocations before and after bundle implementation (periods 1 and 2, respectively). The use of glue resulted in a significantly decreased rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (p < 0.001), dislocations, and mechanical complications (p < 0.0001). During period 2, there was a significant increase for the average number of days the catheter stayed in place (p < 0.05). We did not observe catheter breakage or patient skin irritations attributable to the use of glue (not even in ELBW infants).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the new bundle to secure neonatal PICCs in our NICU was associated with a significant reduction in CLABSI and dislodgment rates, without glue-related complications. Active surveillance of CVC placement procedure, positioning, and management, as well as analysis of related complications is crucial for improving patient safety. Continuous implementation of up-to-date central line bundles based on best practice recommendations is a key for quality improvement in NICUs.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Stable vascular access is crucial in the NICU. Neonatal PICC securement issues can have serious consequences and are associated with device failure.

WHAT IS NEW

• Catheter securement with tissue adhesive is safe and effective in reducing failure and complication rates in the neonatal population.

Published trends and research hotspots of central venous catheter-associated thrombosis from 1973 to 2022: A scientometric analysis

This study aims to explore the intellectual landscape and research hotspots in the central venous catheter-related thrombosis (CVC-RT) research field. Studies discussing CVC-RT published from 1973 to 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database were retrieved on February 24th, 2022. Citespace was used to perform a scientometric analysis to identify the intellectual landscape and research hotspots in the research fields of CVC-RT. A total of 4358 studies were retrieved, with an ascending trend in publication numbers. The United States of America was the most influential country. The Journal of Vascular Access published the most studies, and McMaster University was the most prolific institution. The results showed that the focus population of CVC-RT research has changed from pediatric patients to cancer patients, the management of CVC-RT has become more formal and standardized, and the focused CVC type has shifted to port and peripherally inserted central catheters. In addition, seventeen active burst keywords were detected, such as patient safety, clinical practice guidelines, and postthrombotic syndrome. This study comprehensively reviewed publications related to CVC-RT. The research topics on patient safety, clinical practice guidelines, and postthrombotic syndrome related to CVC-RT may be future hotspots.

COVID-19 and Thromboembolic Events in the Pandemic and Pre-Pandemic Era: A Pediatric Cohort

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been variably associated with thromboembolic events (TEs) in children. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of TEs in children hospitalized during a five-year period in a tertiary pediatric hospital, particularly in patients with COVID-19 and MIS-C. Overall, 38 patients were discharged with the diagnosis of TE: 20 in the pre-pandemic and 18 in the pandemic period. The prevalence of TEs was the same (0.08%) in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The occurrence of TEs was higher in patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C (6/517, 1.16%) when compared to children without these conditions in the pandemic and in the pre-pandemic periods. The prevalence of TEs in children with MIS-C was significantly higher than the prevalence in patients with COVID-19. Five out of six of the patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C developing a TE had at least one predisposing factor to thrombosis. In conclusion, our study shows an increased prevalence of TEs in children hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C, if compared to children without COVID-19 or MIS-C in the pandemic period and in the pre-pandemic period. The prevalence of TEs was significantly higher in patients with MIS-C.

Between Scylla and Charybdis: thrombosis in children with hemophilia

Thromboembolism is an infrequent complication in children with hemophilia that has been traditionally associated with the presence of a central venous access device. Novel rebalancing agents have shown promising results as prophylactic therapies to minimize the risk of bleeding but both thromboembolism and thrombotic microangiopathy have been reported as complications. The management of thrombosis in children with hemophilia is particularly challenging given the inherent risk of bleeding. In this paper, we present clinical vignettes to review the literature, highlight challenges, and describe our approach to managing thromboembolism in children with hemophilia.

The new Italian registry of infantile thrombosis (RITI): A reflection on its journey, challenges and pitfalls

Introduction

Thrombotic events in neonates and children represent a rare although severe occurrence in view of the associated risk of mortality and sequelae. Quality evidence is limited in this field, and registry studies provide an essential base for research. The aim of this paper is to present the new Italian Registry of Infantile Thrombosis (RITI), set it into the scene of international thrombosis and stroke registries, and provide some insight on the challenges associated with registry management.

Methods

We present the detailed structure and content of the new RITI registry, a brief overview of its main data, and a reflection on its features, pitfalls and the main challenges related to its management.

Results

The RITI, initially started in 2007 and officially re-launched in 2017 after structural modifications, is a non-interventional retrospective and prospective registry study collecting data on neonatal and pediatric patients (0-18 years) who experienced a systemic or cerebral thrombotic event in Italy. The RITI is managed by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in pediatric thrombosis, and participation is open to all Italian physicians, on a voluntary basis. The overall aim of the registry is to acquire new evidence to better characterize the population of children with thrombotic events and improve their management and outcome. 48 Italian pediatric and intensive care units are actively involved in the RITI, including 85 medical doctors from 16 Italian regions. A total of 1,001 neonates and children affected by cerebral or systemic thrombosis have been enrolled.

Discussion

The RITI is one of the largest available European registries of neonatal and pediatric thrombosis. National registries like the RITI represent a model for the study of rare conditions based on multidisciplinary and multicenter collaboration, aimed at overcoming the limitations due to small populations of patients, and creating a network of experts for patient referral and continuous education. Moreover, registry studies have a pivotal role in the research on pediatric thrombosis, due to the limited feasibility of high-quality studies. In our experience, the main critical stages, pitfalls and challenges in registry management include adequate registry designing, diffusion, data completeness and quality control.

Risk factors for central venous catheter-related thrombosis in hospitalized children: a single-center a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the risk factors of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in children in Southwest China who underwent central venous catheter (CVC) insertion.

METHODS

An observational cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary center in southwest China between November 2019 and February 2020. All patients who received a CVC were enrolled and Doppler-ultrasound examination was performed weekly until CVC removal. All patients in this study were hospitalized and were observed and followed up in this hospital. Patient demographics, medication, biochemical indexes, catheter maintenance practice, activities after CVC placement data were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the incidence of CRT, and the Cox regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing CRT.

RESULTS

A total of 594 children were included in the study, and the median indwelling time was 10 days, with the shortest being 1 day and the longest 60 days. The overall incidence of CRT was 26.60% (158/594), the 15-day cumulative incidence rate was 30.81%, and the 45-day cumulative incidence rate was 46.27%. After 45 days, the incidence of CRT further increased. Age <12 months [hazard ratio (HR), 1.654; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.171-2.338], use of 20% mannitol or glycerol fructose (HR, 1.593; 95% CI: 1.058-2.398), CVC placement by a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) doctor (HR, 1.921; 95% CI: 1.347-2.740), placement length ≥9 cm (HR, 1.633; 95% CI: 1.142-2.336), and D-dimer >1.5 mg/L (HR, 1.451; 95% CI: 1.044-2.015) were risk factors for CRT. Limb exercises (HR, 0.660; 95% CI: 0.469-0.929) after placement was a protective factor for CRT.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of CRT was higher in children with CVCs, and the key duration of CRT monitoring should be within 15 and 45 days after placement. Patients with age <12 months, using 20% mannitol or glycerol fructose, insertion length ≥9 cm, D-dimer >1.5 mg/L before placement are more likely to happen CVC-CRT than other patient, and it is necessary to be highly vigilant and take preventive measures.

Thromboembolic complications in children with COVID-19 and MIS-C: A narrative review

COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been associated with a higher incidence of hypercoagulability and thromboembolic events (TEs), even in children, leading to relevant morbidity, and mortality. However, our understanding of such complications in childhood is limited. To better understand the incidence, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and management of COVID-19 and MIS-C-related TEs in children, a review of the current literature and a brief update on pathophysiology are given. Sixty-two studies, describing 138 patients with TEs associated with COVID-19 or MIS-C, were included. The overall number of TEs was 157, as 16 patients developed multiple TEs: venous TEs represented the majority (54%), followed by arterial thrombosis (38%, mainly represented by arterial ischemic stroke-AIS), and intracardiac thrombosis (ICT) (8%). Within the venous TEs group, pulmonary embolism (PE) was the most frequent, followed by deep venous thrombosis, central venous sinus thrombosis, and splanchnic venous thrombosis. Notably, 10 patients had multiple types of venous TEs, and four had both venous and arterial thrombosis including a newborn. Most of them (79 cases,57%) had at least one predisposing condition, being obesity the most frequent (21%), especially in patients with PE, followed by malignancy (9%). In 35% of cases, no data about the outcome were available About one-third of cases recovered, 12% improved at discharge or follow-up, and 6% had persistent neurological sequelae. The mortality rate was 12%, with death due to comorbidities in most cases. Most fatalities occurred in patients with arterial thrombosis. Pediatricians should be aware of this life-threatening possibility facing children with SARS-CoV-2 infection or its multisystemic inflammatory complication, who abruptly develop neurological or respiratory impairment. A prompt intensive care is essential to avoid severe sequelae or even exitus.