Blood clotting is beneficial to the body, as it slows bleeding when tissue is injured. However, blood clots in the veins can reduce blood flow and lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening, complications. Hazardous blood clots in children are relatively rare, but they can occur after surgery or because of a medical condition, such as cancer.
Like adults, children experiencing blood clots may receive medications called anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners. These medications stop existing clots from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming. Blood thinners can be taken orally, or they may be administered intravenously.
Blood thinners may need to be taken for a period of three months when a child has a history of them, but children with certain contributing factors (such as a recent surgery) may only need to take them for about six weeks or so. In some cases, the drug regimen will need to continue for 12 months or longer.
While effective, anticoagulants do carry a bleeding risk. As a result, parents must be sure to monitor their children while on the medication to prevent any adverse effects. The following steps are encouraged:
Most people who experience blood clots make a successful recovery with the right treatment and precautions. If you have any questions or concerns while your child is on this medication, do not hesitate to contact their paediatrician.