J Thromb Haemost. 2026 Mar 13:S1538-7836(26)00186-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2026.03.001. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Long-term follow up of children with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is necessary to diagnose post-thrombotic sequelae, though current practice is not standardized. The ASTRO-Kids international survey investigated the current practices among pediatric thrombosis providers for extremity and non-extremity VTE following acute treatment.
METHODS: The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis SSC Subcommittee on Pediatric and Neonatal Thrombosis and Haemostasis created and disseminated a 24-question survey between January and July 2024. We collected information on respondent treatment centers, practices on monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of post-thrombotic sequelae following extremity and non-extremity thrombosis, stratified by the neonatal and non-neonatal age group.
RESULTS: 115 pediatric thrombosis providers participated in the survey. Over half (53%; n=61), were from North America. Overall, 35% (n=40) and 15% (n=5) followed non-neonates and neonates, respectively, for post-thrombotic syndrome beyond 2 years from extremity thrombosis diagnosis. Long-term follow-up of non-extremity thromboses beyond 2 years from acute thrombosis was performed by less than 35% of respondents; 25-31% for non-neonates and 18-27% for neonates. A dedicated post-thrombotic syndrome clinic was present in the centers of 32% (n=35) of respondents; Physical Therapy (48%, n=62) and Interventional Radiology (47%, n=60) were the most common subspecialties to participate in the long-term care of these patients.
CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up for pediatric VTE is variable. These findings underscore the imperative for globally applicable guidance that accommodates diverse practice settings, harmonize the management of thrombosis sequelae in children, and catalyzes collaboration to advance research in the field.
PMID:41833696 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtha.2026.03.001