Central venous catheter related thrombosis in children: Analysis of the Canadian registry of venous thromboembolic complications

Abstract

Background: Central venous lines (CVLs) are frequently associated with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in children; however, little is known about the epidemiologic characteristics or outcome of CVL-related DVT. Methods: The Canadian Childhood Thrombophilia Registry monitored 244 consecutive patients with objectively diagnosed CVL-related DVT for a median duration of 24 months (range 3 months to 7 years). Results: The incidence of CVL-related DVT was 3.5 per 10,000 hospital admissions. CVL-related DVTs were more frequent in the upper venous system. Ultrasonography or echocardiography were the most commonly used diagnostic tests (n = 183 patients). Venograms were performed on 82 (34%) patients. ..