title: Paediatric anticoagulation guidelines.
abstract: Prepared on behalf of the South African Society of Thombosis and Haemostasis.  Background. Recent progress has been made in the understanding of venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) in children and neonates; however, indications for laboratory investigations and therapeutic interventions are not well defined.  Method. The Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis reviewed available literature and comprehensive evidence-based guidelines for paediatric antithrombotic therapy. A draft document was produced and revised by consensus agreement. The guidelines were adjudicated by independent international experts to avoid local bias.  Results and conclusion. We present concise, practical guidelines for the clinical management and laboratory investigation of VTE in children and neonates. Recommendations reflect current best practice which will hopefully lead to improved anticoagulation practice in this age group.
authors.affiliation: National Health Laboratory Services, and Department of Haematology, , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. elise.schapkaitz@nhls.ac.za
authors.forename: Elise
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schapkaitz
authors.forename: Gayle Gillian
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: Barry Frank
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haas
authors.forename: Harry R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Buller
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Hitesh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Diar
authors.forename: Marjolein
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shuttleworth
authors.forename: Sithembiso
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Velaphi
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D019468:Disease Management; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin