Thrombosis research
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Thrombosis research · Dec 2018
Review Meta AnalysisAntithrombotic therapies in children on durable Ventricular Assist Devices: A literature review.
Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are increasingly utilised in children with end-stage heart failure, and experience high bleeding and clotting rates. In particular, pediatric VAD patients are more challenging than adults to anticoagulate due to developmental hemostasis, lack of suitable drug preparations, and difficult anticoagulation monitoring often due to poor vascular access; in addition to difficulties of VAD design in smaller children. This review aims to summarize the current evidence related to antithrombotic therapy in pediatric VAD patients. ⋯ The clinical use of antithrombotic therapies - including dosages, timing and monitoring - varies considerably. This review highlights the further research required to improve understanding of hemostasis in the pediatric VAD field.