Semin Thromb Hemost 2003; 29(4): 405-414
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42590
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Neonates, Infants, and Children: An Overview of Underlying Conditions, Imaging Methods, and Treatment Modalities

Ulrike Nowak-Göttl1,2,3 , Gudrun Günther3 , Karin Kurnik4 , Ronald Sträter2 , Fenella Kirkham5
  • 1Professor, University of Münster Münster
  • 2Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology University of Münster Münster
  • 3Department of Paediatrics University Children's Hospital Magdeburg
  • 4Department of Paediatrics University Children's Hospital Munich, Germany
  • 5Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College, London and Southampton General Hospital NHS Trust, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 September 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Conditions associated with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children include congenital heart malformations, sickle cell disease, and meningitis, although around half of all cases are cryptogenic. Up to 80% of children with ischemic stroke have cerebrovascular disease, and case control studies demonstrate an association of arterial ischemic stroke in children with hereditary prothrombotic risk factors and infections such as VARICELLA. Conventional risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, may also play a role and most children have several potential triggers rather than a single cause. Treatment recommendations are based on small case series or have been adapted from adult stroke studies; there are no evidence-based data on efficacy in children. Low-dose aspirin appears to be relatively safe. Anticoagulation with heparins, for example, low-molecular-weight heparin or warfarin, may be indicated in children with cardioembolic stroke, arterial dissection, or persistent hypercoagulable states, and blood transfusion has a role in patients with sickle cell disease. Tissue plasminogen activator has been used in a few patients within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms. At present, the benefit of treatment has to be weighed against the risk for each patient, but randomized controlled trials for primary prevention, acute treatment, and secondary prevention of pediatric ischemic stroke are urgently needed.

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