Blood clots can occur in children and adolescents, though they are less common than in adults. Clots can be linked to a medical condition, recent illness, hospitalization, surgery, trauma, or presence of a central venous catheter. Some children may also have inherited conditions that increase the tendency for blood clots to form.
At WMCHealth, our Pediatric Hematology and Thrombosis specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for children with thrombosis. We aim to understand why a clot is formed because it’s an important part of guiding care. Our team focuses not only on treating the current clot but also on helping reduce the risk of future clotting complications.
What Is Pediatric Thrombosis?
Pediatric thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel in an infant, child, or adolescent. These clots usually form in veins and may partially or completely block blood flow. Clots can affect many body areas, including the arms, legs, lungs, or brain.
Blood clots develop when factors disrupt normal blood flow or the body’s clotting balance. Common causes include slowed blood flow, blood vessel injury, or conditions that increase clotting risk.
Thrombosis severity depends on the clot’s location and size. Some cases are mild, while others can become life-threatening. Children with thrombosis often need specialized evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care.
Diagnosing Pediatric Thrombosis
Early evaluation can help confirm whether a blood clot is present and guide next steps in care. Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, diagnosis often involves both imaging and laboratory testing and reviewing your child’s medical history.
Your child’s care team may use:
- Ultrasound or other imaging tests to identify a clot
- Blood tests to evaluate how your child’s blood clots
- A review of medical history and potential contributing factors
Pediatric Thrombosis Treatment
Treatment depends on your child’s symptoms, the location of the clot, and any contributing factors. Care focuses on managing the clot while helping reduce the chance of another clot forming.
Treatment options may include:
- Observation with close follow-up in select low-risk situations
- Management of underlying medical conditions
- Follow-up care to reassess clotting risk over time
- Follow-up imaging and laboratory monitoring
- Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners) to prevent clot growth
- Adjustments to medical devices, such as central lines, if needed
Treatment decisions are made in collaboration with your family and may involve input from multiple specialists, including pediatric hematologists.
Comprehensive Care for Clotting and Bleeding Disorders
Pediatric thrombosis is one part of a broader group of conditions that affect how blood clots. Through our Thrombosis and Hemostasis program, your child has access to care for both clotting and bleeding disorders, with support that adapts over time. This connection helps ensure your child’s care is coordinated, especially if evaluation suggests an underlying condition that affects how their blood clots.