Quality improvement program reduces venous thromboembolism in infants and children with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA)

Purpose

Patients with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) treated with the Foker process are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). An institutional quality improvement program to decrease VTE risk factor exposure and utilize prophylactic anticoagulation was implemented. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VTE risk-reduction program in patients with LGEA.

Methods

Implementation and evaluation of a VTE risk-reduction program in patients with LGEA from 2012 to 2015 was performed. Symptomatic VTE with radiographic confirmation were defined as events. Post-program characteristics were evaluated and compared to a historical cohort.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were identified. Two developed VTE (7 %) post-program implementation; compared to 13/40 (33 %) VTE incidence in the historical cohort (p = 0.018). Baseline demographics were similar, including age, esophageal atresia type and gap length. Post-protocol patients had fewer paralysis episodes (p = 0.004), paralysis days (p = 0.003), central venous catheters (p = 0.003), thoracotomies (p < 0.001), ventilator hours (p = 0.02), and decreased hospital (p < 0.001) and ICU stay (p < 0.001). All patients in the VTE risk-reduction program were exposed to prophylactic anticoagulation. No bleeding complications and/or thrombosis-related mortality occurred.

Conclusion

VTE risk-reduction program implementation decreased symptomatic VTE incidence with associated decreases in ICU and hospital length of stay. Prophylactic anticoagulation can be utilized safely in a complicated pediatric surgical population.