Thrombotic events in critically ill children with coronavirus disease 2019 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Purpose of review To provide an update regarding what is known about thrombotic events and thromboprophylaxis in critically ill children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recent findings Pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 generally have mild illness; however, intensive care is required in about 20-30% of hospitalized children with COVID-19 and an even higher proportion in those with MIS-C. Increased rates of thrombosis have been observed in adults hospitalized with COVID-19, and clinical trials have attempted to optimize thromboprophylaxis. There is significant variability in the estimated incidence of thrombosis in pediatric patients (0-27%) because of variation in patient populations and study design. Multiple studies demonstrate an increased rate of thrombosis compared with baseline in hospitalized pediatric patients. Few studies have evaluated risk factors for thrombosis, but critical illness, older age, and other known thrombosis risk factors appear to increase the risk. Thromboprophylaxis strategies are inconsistent, with little evidence of efficacy but few reports of major bleeding. Critically ill children with SARS-CoV-2-related illnesses are at increased risk of thrombosis. Thromboprophylaxis should be considered in select patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C, though the optimal strategy is not yet known. More data is required to guide practice to prevent thrombosis in this population.