Coagulation Abnormalities and Clinical Complications in Children With SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review of 48,322 Patients

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2022 Aug 1;44(6):323-335. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002321. Epub 2021 Dec 3.

Abstract

Given the limited information on the coagulation abnormalities of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pediatric patients, we designed a systematic review to evaluate this topic. A comprehensive literature search was conducted for "SARS-CoV-2," "coagulopathy," and "pediatrics." Two authors independently screened the articles that the search returned for bleeding, thrombosis, anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet usage, and abnormal laboratory markers in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2, and the authors then extracted the relevant data. One hundred twenty-six publications were included. Thirty-four (27%) studies reported thrombotic complications in 504 patients. Thirty-one (25%) studies reported bleeding complications in 410 patients. Ninety-eight (78%) studies reported abnormal laboratory values in 6580 patients. Finally, 56 (44%) studies reported anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet usage in 3124 patients. The variety of laboratory abnormalities and coagulation complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 presented in this review highlights the complexity and variability of the disease presentation in infants and children.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders* / etiology
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Thrombosis* / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants