1. Core Reviews: PE / DVT Directly in Neonates & Children

Diagnosis and Management of DVT and PE in Neonates and Children

The most directly relevant article to the query. Covers how the diagnosis and management of DVT/PE in neonates differs from adults - including differences in hemostasis, diagnostic strategies, drug therapies, and the ACCP antithrombotic guidelines specifically for neonates and children.

How I Treat Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism

Practical, case-based review covering the increasing incidence of pediatric VTE (including PE), central venous catheter-associated thrombosis, and management algorithms. Includes neonates. Free PMC full text available.

Pulmonary Embolism in Children

Reviews epidemiology, risk factors (including neonatal period), clinical presentation, diagnosis (V/Q scan, CT-PA challenges in children), and treatment options for PE in the pediatric population.

Pulmonary Embolism in Children

A foundational older review covering PE in all age groups of children, including the specific context of the newborn period and predisposing conditions.

2. Neonatal-Specific VTE Reviews

Venous Thromboembolism in Premature Neonates

Focuses specifically on VTE in premature neonates - the highest-risk group. Covers bimodal pediatric VTE incidence, NICU-associated risk factors, presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes. A key reference for neonatal PE/VTE.

Thrombosis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Comprehensive NICU-focused review covering developmental hemostasis as a risk factor, rising VTE incidence, central venous access as the primary precipitant, diagnostic modalities, and current anticoagulation guidelines (noting the evidence is mostly consensus-based or extrapolated from adults).

Developmental Hemostasis and Management of Central Venous Catheter Thrombosis in Neonates

Explains the physiological basis of thrombotic risk in neonates through the lens of developmental hemostasis and reviews CVC-related thrombosis management.

3. Practice Guidelines & International Surveys

International Survey on Current Practices of Management of Neonatal Catheter-Associated VTE (ISTH SSC)

Very recent (2026) ISTH practice guideline communication. Surveyed 135 clinicians internationally; found significant variability in neonatal VTE management. Heparins dominated both acute and subacute phases. Highlights standardization gaps. Directly relevant to neonatal PE/VTE care.

4. Systematic Reviews

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Clinically Unsuspected VTE in Children

Systematic review of 51 studies (8,354 children). Covers asymptomatic/incidental VTE including PE, with neonates as a specific subgroup. CVL-associated clots predominated. Outcomes were generally favorable without treatment in asymptomatic cases.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Prevention of CVC-Related Thrombosis in Children

Cochrane meta-analysis on LMWH prophylaxis for catheter-related thrombosis in children (includes neonates). Important for the preventive management angle since CVC thrombosis can lead to PE.

Inferior Vena Cava Syndrome in Neonates

Systematic review specifically in neonates; IVC thrombosis is a notable cause of PE extension in this age group.

5. Treatment Studies

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Enoxaparin in the NICU

Retrospective study of 45 neonates receiving enoxaparin for VTE. Median clot resolution: 76 days. Clot location and postnatal age affected time to resolution. Bleeding occurred in 9.3%. Provides practical dosing/outcome data for the NICU setting.

Pentoxifylline in the Treatment of Neonatal Vasospasm and Thromboembolism

Case series of 9 neonates treated with pentoxifylline as an alternative to anticoagulants/thrombolytics for thromboembolism - all recovered without limb loss, no drug-related side effects.

Interventional Treatment of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolic Disease

Reviews catheter-directed thrombolysis, pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, and mechanical thrombectomy as emerging options for pediatric VTE/PE, including post-thrombotic syndrome outcomes.

Key Themes Across the Literature