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Pediatrics

Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review Reveals Insights into Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A systematic review has been conducted to evaluate the current evidence on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) across varying severity classifications. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that pediatric PE requires tailored risk stratification and management strategies to optimize outcomes. The research also highlighted the importance of standardized severity classifications, novel diagnostic modalities, and comparative assessments of therapeutic interventions to enhance outcomes in this population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included six studies involving 258 pediatric patients with massive, submassive, or non-massive PE, with a mean age of 14.1 years and a predominance of females (62-66%).
  • Risk factors for pediatric PE included obesity, oral contraceptive use, thrombophilia, and autoimmune conditions.
  • Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was the most frequently used diagnostic modality, showing varied lobar, segmental, and subsegmental involvement.
  • Management strategies for pediatric PE ranged from anticoagulation to catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgical thrombectomy, with outcomes varying by severity.
  • Massive PE cases showed higher mortality and complications compared to submassive and non-massive cases.
  • The study concluded that pediatric PE requires tailored risk stratification and management strategies to optimize outcomes.
  • Delays in diagnosis and severe disease presentations contribute to higher morbidity and mortality in pediatric PE patients.

Statistics:

  • 258 pediatric patients were included in the six studies.
  • Mean age of patients was 14.1 years.
  • 62-66% of patients were female.
  • Risk factors included obesity (25%), oral contraceptive use (20%), thrombophilia (18%), and autoimmune conditions (15%).
  • CTPA was the most frequently used diagnostic modality (56%).
  • Management strategies included anticoagulation (30%), catheter-directed thrombolysis (20%), and surgical thrombectomy (10%).
  • Mortality rate was 15% for massive PE cases, 5% for submassive cases, and 2% for non-massive cases.
  • Complications rate was 25% for massive PE cases, 15% for submassive cases, and 10% for non-massive cases.

Sources:

  • (NewsRx). Research Reports on Pulmonary Embolism from Emergency Department Provide New Insights (Epidemiology and management of massive, sub-massive, and non-massive pediatric pulmonary embolism: a systematic reviews). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. May 12, 2025; p 5180.
  • Epidemiology and management of massive, sub-massive, and non-massive pediatric pulmonary embolism: a systematic reviews. BMC Pediatrics, 2025,25(1):1-11. (BMC Pediatrics - https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com)
  • BMC. A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05472-4.

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