What Are Pulmonary Embolism Risk Factors?

Discussion Pulmonary embolism (PE) is potentially life-threatening but fortunately rare event especially in the pediatric population. It was first described in children in 1861. PE is likely underreported because of minimal or non-specific clinical symptoms. The incidence is estimated at 0.05-4.2% with the 4.2% based on autopsy reports. It is probably also increasing as more central venous catheters (CVC) are used, and more children are surviving previously poor prognostic diseases. There is a bimodal distribution with cases < 1 year (especially neonates which account for ~50% of this group) and in teenagers. Neonates appear to have a high rate because of increases in CVC use and teenagers risks are felt to be increased with oral contraceptive use. Oral contraceptives alone are rarely felt to be solely responsible for PE though. Recurrence rate is 7-18% and death with PE is ~10% with the main cause being the patient's underlying medical condition. Venous thrombosis can occur when there is injury to a vessel wall, venous stasis and hypercoagubility. Pulmonary embolism occurs when the thrombus is dislodged, moving through the blood vessels, through the right side of the heart and lodges in the pulmonary arterial system. Patients may have no symptoms if the thrombus involves less than 40-50% of the pulmonary circulation. Through various mechanisms, PE can cause hypoxia, hemodynamic instability and cardiopulmonary collapse. Massive PE where the pulmonary blood flow is oc...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news