Blood clots in veins (DVT) happen rarely. When they do happen, it happens more commonly in adults. The average incidence is 80 cases per 100,000 people. Of these 1/4th of the cases lead to a pulmonary embolism.

However rarely do we encounter cases in children. I recently met a child who had a thrombosis which required consideration for anticoagulation.

The FDA on June 21st, 2021 put out the following guideline for anticoagulation in children:

For 1st episode of a blood clot:

“ Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) oral pellets to treat children 3 months to less than 12 years old with venous thromboembolism (a condition where blood clots form in the veins) directly after they have been treated with a blood thinner given by injection for at least five days.”

For recurrent blood clot:

“The FDA also approved Pradaxa oral pellets to prevent recurrent clots among patients 3 months to less than 12 years old who completed treatment for their first venous thromboembolism.” Our children are always teaching us something new, be it at home or at work.