# Trends and Risk Factors of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism in Spain: A Nationwide Study from 2016 to 2023

## TL;DR

This study analyzed pediatric blood clots in Spain from 2016 to 2023, finding an increase in cases and identifying risk factors like age and health conditions.

## Contribution

The study provides the first nationwide analysis of pediatric VTE trends and risk factors in Spain.

## Key findings

- Pediatric VTE incidence decreased from 2016 to 2018 but increased significantly from 2018 to 2023.
- Bleeding risk increased with age, with adolescents having the highest risk.
- In-hospital mortality remained stable despite changes in incidence and risk factors.

## Abstract

Background: The incidence of pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Spain has not been well studied. Methods: Using an administrative database comprising nationwide data on hospital discharges, we estimated the annual crude, age-specific, and age-standardized incidence of pediatric VTE in Spain from 2016 to 2023. Time trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression. Risk factors, complications, and in-hospital mortality were also assessed. Results: A total of 6510 cases were identified, and 45.1% were women; the median age was 3 years (p25–p75: 0–13). The prevalence of cancer, intravascular device use, and chronic complex conditions decreased over the study period, while liver disease and surgery rates increased. COVID-19 emerged as a risk factor in the last four years. The presence of chronic conditions, congenital heart disease, and intravascular devices was significantly higher in neonates. Contraceptive use was observed only in adolescents. Overall incidence of VTE decreased from 2016 to 2018 (annual percent change, APC −10.1%, p = 0.234), but significantly increased from 2018 to 2023 (APC 7.9%, p = 0.018). The occurrence of hemorrhage significantly increased: 3.9% in 2016 vs. 6.5% in 2023 (p = 0.014). Bleeding risk increased with age (2.3% in <1 year vs. 7.4% in 15–18 years, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality remained stable (2.41% in 2016 vs. 2.25% in 2023, p = 0.493). Mortality was higher in neonates (3.95%) and adolescents aged 15–18 years (3.05%) compared to other age groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of pediatric VTE in Spain has increased in recent years, while in-hospital mortality has remained stable.