Antithrombotic therapy in children

This chapter is divided into three parts. In the first section, the evidence showing that the interaction of antithrombotic agents with the hemostatic system of the young differs from adults is presented, as are the indications for and the monitoring, therapeutic range, factors influencing dose response relationships, and side effects of antithrombotic agents in children. In the second section, the specific indications for antithrombotic therapy in pediatric patients are discussed. New information available on the use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is included. In the third section, the five multinational trials assessing aspects of anticoagulant therapy in children are briefly described. Many of the recommendations are extrapolated from clinical trials in adults and are interpreted within the context of the available information for pediatric patients