Thromboprophylaxis in Pediatric Patients with a Central Venous Catheter

Objective Formulation of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the use of thromboprophylaxis (TP) in pediatric patients with a central venous catheter (CVC). Participants The development team consisted of five experts and a doctoral candidate acting as the primary author. Evidence The guideline was developed utilizing the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II framework. A systematic review of the evidence was performed and evidence was graded using the American Academy of Pediatrics (2004) evidence classifications for CPG recommendations. An appraisal team evaluated the guideline quality utilizing the AGREE Plus platform rating the guideline as “highest quality.” Consensus Employing a modified Delphi methodology, members of the development team reviewed available evidence and voted on proposed Key Action Statements (KAS). Consensus is defined as 80% rating the KAS “usually appropriate.” Conclusion Five KAS are included in the final CPG. Each KAS indicates level of evidence, benefit-harm relationship, and level of recommendation. KAS 1. Providers of hospitalized children (0-18 years of age) may assess for VTE risk factors using the Skrocki VTE risk stratification tool if the patient has a CVC. (Evidence Quality:C, Rec. Strength: Option). KAS 2. Providers of hospitalized children should initiate targeted pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (tpTP) at the time of CVC insertion or hospital admission (if CVC present on admission). (Evidence Quality: B, Rec. Strength: Strong Recommendation) KAS 3. Providers of hospitalized children with a CVC should implement mechanical thromboprophylaxis (mTP) if the child is immobile (Braden Q score <2) or moderate/ high risk for VTE using the Skrocki VTE risk stratification tool and have no contraindications to mTP. (Evidence Quality: B, Rec. Strength: Recommendation). KAS 4. Providers of hospitalized children with a CVC may prescribe systemic pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (spTP) if the patient is found to be