Superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus thrombosis associated with COVID-19: a case report / Trombose de veia oftálmica superior e seio cavernoso associada à COVID-19: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Cavernous sinus and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a rare clinical condition, and little described in the literature. The clinical presentation is nonspecific and highly variable, and symptoms may include red eye, ophthalmoplegia, coma, and death. The main etiology results from infection of the paranasal sinuses. The final diagnosis must be made through imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging. We describe a case of cavernous sinus and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis after COVID-19 infection in a 64-year-old patient with persistent ocular hyperemia and pain on eye movement. Ophthalmological examination showed preserved visual acuity, conjunctival hyperemia, dilation of episcleral vessels and retinal vascular tortuosity in the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis. The association with the COVID-19 was raised, excluding other infectious causes. Enoxaparin and Warfarin were started with significant improvement in the ocular clinical presentation and maintenance of initial visual acuity after 12 months of follow-up.

RESUMO A trombose de seio cavernoso e veia oftálmica superior é uma condição clínica rara e pouco descrita na literatura. A apresentação clínica é inespecífica e altamente variável. Os sintomas podem incluir olho vermelho, oftalmoplegia, coma e morte. A etiologia principal resulta da infecção dos seios paranasais. O diagnóstico final deve ser efetuado por meio de exames de imagem, como ressonância magnética. Descrevemos um caso de trombose de seio cavernoso e veia oftálmica superior após COVID-19 em paciente de 64 anos e com quadro de hiperemia ocular persistente e dor à movimentação ocular. Ao exame oftalmológico, observou-se acuidade visual preservada, hiperemia conjuntival, dilatação de vasos episclerais e tortuosidade vascular retiniana em olho direito. A ressonância confirmou o diagnóstico. A associação com a COVID-19 foi levantada, excluindo-se demais causas infecciosas. Prescrevemos enoxaparina e varfarina, com melhora do quadro clínico ocular e manutenção da acuidade visual inicial após 12 meses de acompanhamento.

Tromboprofilaxis precoz y evolución en embarazadas con COVID-19 / Early thromboprophylaxis and evolution in pregnant women with COVID-19

Introducción: en marzo del año 2020 se declara Pandemia, por la aparición de un nuevo Coronavirus, el SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Las mujeres embarazadas presentan un riesgo mayor de presentar procesos tromboembólicos, por lo que se recomienda utilizar de manera profiláctica heparina, para prevención de procesos tromboembólicos durante la infección por SARS-CoV2. Objetivo: Describir la evolución de las embarazadas con infección por SARS-CoV2 con la utilización de heparina de bajo peso molecular, Enoxaparina, ajustada al peso de manera precoz. Metodología: estudio descriptivo prospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal. Resultados: en la evolución de 30 mujeres embarazadas con infección por SARS-CoV2, las edades más frecuentes corresponden a 31 a 35 años, mayor número de infectadas en el segundo trimestre del embarazo, el índice de masa corporal predominante en rango de sobrepeso y obesidad, la dosis de enoxaparina utilizada fue de 40 mg/día, ya que se ajustó al peso de la embarazada, las comorbilidades más frecuentes correspondieron al sobrepeso y obesidad, enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo y diabetes gestacional, la sintomatología resultó muy variada, debido a las distintas variantes del virus, con más frecuencia la rinorrea, congestión nasal, tos, anosmia, disgeusia, cefalea, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria, y la mayoría de las embarazadas no estaban vacunadas. Conclusiones: ninguna de las 30 embarazadas que recibieron heparina de bajo peso molecular (Enoxapina), ajustada al peso, y de manera precoz, con infección por SARS.CoV2, falleció, ni requirió internación en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Una embarazada, fue internada por disnea moderada y saturación de oxígeno menor a 95%. Las restantes embarazadas tuvieron buena evolución en su domicilio, sin ninguna complicación

Introduction: in March 2020, a Pandemic was declared, due to the appearance of a new Coronavirus, SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Pregnant women have a higher risk of presenting thromboembolic processes, so it is recommended to use heparin prophylactically, to prevent thromboembolic processes during SARS-CoV2 infection. Objective: to describe the evolution of pregnant women with SARS-CoV2 infection with the early use of Enoxaparin, adjusted to the weight of low molecular weight heparin. Methodology: prospective, observational, cross-sectional descriptive study. Results: in the evolution of 30 pregnant women with SARS-CoV2 infection, the most frequent ages correspond to 31 to 35 years, the highest number of infected in the second trimester of pregnancy, the predominant body mass index in the range of overweight and obesity. , the dose of enoxaparin used was 40 mg/day, since it was adjusted to the weight of the pregnant woman, the most frequent comorbidities were overweight and obesity, hypertensive disease of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, the symptoms were highly varied, due to the different variants of the virus, more frequently rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, anosmia, dysgeusia, headache, fever and respiratory distress, and most of the pregnant women were not vaccinated. Conclusions: none of the 30 pregnant women who received low molecular weight heparin (Enoxapine), adjusted for weight, and early, with SARS.CoV2 infection, died or required admission to the Intensive Care Unit. A pregnant woman was hospitalized due to moderate dyspnea and oxygen saturation less than 95%. The remaining pregnant women had a good evolution at home, without any complications

Síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico asociado a COVID-19: a propósito de un caso clínico con fenotipo shock e íleo paralítico / Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19: clinical case with shock phenotype and paralytic ileus / Síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica associada à COVID-19: relato de caso com fenótipo de choque e íleo paralítico

La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causada por la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) se ha extendido por todo el mundo desde diciembre de 2019. Luego de la primera ola de COVID-19, se reporta por primera vez en mayo de 2020 en el Reino Unido un estado hiperinflamatorio asociado temporalmente a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un grupo de niños ingresados a unidades de cuidado intensivo pediátrico. Este nuevo fenotipo, con características similares a la enfermedad de Kawasaki y al síndrome del shock tóxico, se ha denominado síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico en niños (MIS-C). Es fundamental la sospecha y el reconocimiento tempranos de esta entidad, con el fin de ofrecer un tratamiento médico oportuno, para prevenir la muerte y el desarrollo de secuelas. Presentamos el caso de una preescolar de 5 años, en la que se realizó diagnóstico de MIS-C con un fenotipo shock e íleo paralítico.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the infection by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has spread worldwide since December 2019. After the first wave of COVID-19, a hyperinflammatory condition temporarily associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared in a group of children admitted to pediatric intensive care units and reported for the first time in May 2020 in the United Kingdom. This new phenotype shared characteristics with the Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome and has been called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Early suspicion and recognition of this condition is key in order to offer timely medical treatment to prevent death and the development of sequelae. We present the case of a 5-year-old child, in which diagnosis of MIS-C with a shock phenotype and paralytic ileus.

A doença de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) causada pela infecção por SARS-CoV-2 (síndrome respiratória aguda grave coronavírus 2) se espalhou pelo mundo desde dezembro de 2019. Após a primeira onda de COVID-19, houve relatos pela primeira vez em maio de 2020 no Reino Unido duma doença hiperinflamatória temporariamente associada à infecção por SARS-CoV-2 num grupo de crianças internadas em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Esse novo fenótipo com características semelhantes à doença de Kawasaki e a síndrome do choque tóxico foi chamado de síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica em crianças (MIS-C). A suspeita precoce e o reconhecimento dessa entidade são essenciais, a fim de oferecer tratamento médico oportuno, para prevenir a morte e o desenvolvimento de sequelas. Apresentamos o caso de uma menina pré-escolar de 5 anos que foi diagnosticada com MIS-C com fenótipo de choque e íleo paralítico.

Does Enoxaparin treatment have any effects on the placenta in women with unexplained histories of habitual abortion? A case control study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It is very common to offer low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) medications to women with unexplained habitual abortion, to increase the livebirth rate. Although no benefit from LMWH has been clearly demonstrated, examination of the effects of enoxaparin on placental structure is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess placental structural changes in pregnancies treated with enoxaparin, compared with controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study in an obstetrics and gynecology unit of a tertiary-level university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: Forty patients who had had term pregnancies and live births but also histories of habitual abortion were recruited for this study. Placentas were sampled using a systematic random sampling method. Tissue samples were obtained, embedded and sectioned for routine histological analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used. Surface area and length estimates from placental components were evaluated by using Image J. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also assessed via immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding maternal age, abortion rate, birth weight or gestational age. Comparison of the enoxaparin and control groups showed that there were no significant differences in terms of surface area and ratios of placental components. We found that Bcl-2 was generally expressed at high levels in the enoxaparin group, while there was no difference in terms of Ki-67 between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that enoxaparin did not show any significant effect on the placental structure of cases that had histories of habitual abortion.

Trombo flutuante em veia femoral / Floating thrombi in femoral veis

O trombo venoso flutuante em veia femoral é um tipo de trombo com alto potencial de embolização pulmonar. Entretanto, ainda é controversa a conduta mais apropriada nesses casos. Tratamentos clínicos com anticoagulantes ou fibrinolíticos e trombectomias abertas ou por meio de dispositivos endovasculares vêm sendo empregados ainda sem um critério de indicação bem definido. Apresentamos três casos clínicos de trombos flutuantes em veia femoral, de etiologias distintas, cujos tratamentos e respectivas evoluções serão discutidos

A floating venous thrombus in the femoral vein is a type of thrombus with a high potential for pulmonary embolization. However, the most appropriate management for these cases is still controversial. Clinical treatments, using anticoagulants or fibrinolytics, open thrombectomies, or thrombectomies by means of endovascular devices have all been used, although the criteria for indication of each are not yet defined. We present 3 clinical cases of floating thrombi in femoral veins with different etiologies and discuss their respective treatments and outcomes

Profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso na gestação / Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in pregnancy

Resumo O tromboembolismo venoso é importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade obstétrica. Durante a gestação, o risco de sua ocorrência aumenta entre cinco e dez vezes quando comparado ao de mulheres não gestantes de mesma idade. Associado a esse fato, a gestante apresenta algumas limitações para o diagnóstico clínico (alta frequência de dor e edema nos membros inferiores), ecográfico (menor sensibilidade e especificidade no diagnóstico de trombose venosa de ilíaca com a evolução da gestação) e laboratorial (o D-dímero apresenta aumento progressivo no decorrer da gravidez). Uma estratificação criteriosa de risco de tromboembolismo venoso de cada mulher antes da gestação pode diminuir a incidência dessa doença, frequente e de difícil diagnóstico na gravidez, e suas complicações.

Abstract Venous thromboembolism is a major cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality. During pregnancy, the risk of occurrence increases between five and ten times when compared to women of the same age who are not pregnant. Compounding this is the fact that pregnant women present certain characteristics that make diagnosis more difficult using clinical signs (high frequency of pain and swelling in the lower limbs), echographic examination (lower sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of iliac vein thrombosis as pregnancy progresses), and laboratory findings (D-dimer levels progressively increase throughout pregnancy). Conducting careful stratification of women’s venous thromboembolism risk before pregnancy could reduce the incidence of this disease, which is frequent and difficult to diagnose during pregnancy, and of its complications.

Fístula arteriovenosa após termoablação com laser endovenoso 1470 nm: relato de caso / Arteriovenous fistula after endovenous laser ablation with 1470 nm laser: case report

Resumo O tratamento tradicional da insuficiência da veia safena magna (VSM) inclui a ligadura alta na junção safeno-femoral combinada com a fleboextração. No entanto, a morbidade associada à insatisfação do paciente com esse tratamento tem conduzido ao desenvolvimento de técnicas alternativas, e a termoablação com laser endovenoso (EVLT) tornou-se uma alternativa minimamente invasiva à cirurgia. A formação de fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) durante o EVLT é extremamente rara. Neste estudo, relatamos um caso de identificação ecográfica de FAV entre um segmento da veia safena acessória lateral e a artéria femoral superficial. Optou-se inicialmente pela realização de duas tentativas de compressão com transdutor linear, sem sucesso, e alternativamente o procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado sem intercorrência e com resolução da FAV. Esse relato de caso evidencia a importância do seguimento de vigilância ecográfica após o EVLT tanto para o controle da efetividade do método como para o diagnóstico e tratamento precoce de suas complicações.

Abstract Traditional treatment for great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency includes high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction and subsequent stripping of the GSV. However, the considerable morbidity and patient dissatisfaction associated with surgical treatment led to development of alternative techniques and intravenous laser treatment (EVLT) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Formation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) during EVLT is extremely rare. In this study we report a case of AVF between a segment of the lateral accessory saphenous vein and the superficial femoral artery that was identified by ultrasound. Initially, two attempts were made at compression with a linear-array transducer without success, then alternatively surgery was performed without complications, leading to resolution of the AVF. This case report highlights the importance of ultrasound follow-up after EVLT, both for monitoring the effectiveness of the method and for diagnosis and early treatment of its complications.

Acompanhamento de Gestante Portadora de Síndrome de Marfan com Tubo Valvado Metálico Aórtico / Management of Pregnant Woman with Marfan Syndrome and Mechanical Aortic Valved Conduit

Relata-se o acompanhamento de paciente gestante, 29 anos, primigesta, portadora da Síndrome de Marfan e tubo valvado metálico aórtico encaminhada ao cardiologista com sete semanas de gestação.Ao ecodopplercardiograma apresentava diâmetro da raiz da aorta de 35 mm, tubo valvado e prótese aórtica metálica normofuncionante. Realizou acompanhamento cardiológico especializado desde então. Na 38a semana de gestação foi submetida ao parto cesariana com anestesia geral, profilaxia de endocardite infecciosa, monitorização cardíaca no centro cirúrgico e pós-operatório na unidade coronariana por 24 horas. Os períodos gestacional e puerpério transcorreram sem eventos hemorrágicos. O acompanhamento clínico e obstétrico de gestantes com Síndrome de Marfan é desafiador, e a condição de prótese valvar mecânica previamente implantada aumenta o risco destas paciente

Trombose induzida pelo calor endovenoso: relato de dois casos tratados com rivaroxabana e revisão da literatura / Endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT): reports on two case treated with rivaroxaban and literature review

Define-se trombose induzida pelo calor endovenoso como a propagação do trombo a partir de uma veia superficial em direção a uma veia mais profunda. Em geral, é considerada clinicamente insignificante quando não há propagação do trombo para o sistema venoso profundo. Essa condição pode ser tratada com terapia anticoagulante, embora a observação pareça ser suficiente, principalmente para graus menores. Neste estudo, relatamos dois casos de trombose induzida pelo calor endovenoso que teriam indicação de heparina de baixo peso molecular até a resolução do quadro. Porém, optou-se pelo uso da rivaroxabana (15 mg de 12 em 12h), com resolução completa do trombo em 4 semanas (caso 1) e em 7 dias (caso 2). A rivaroxabana pode ser uma alternativa promissora no tratamento da trombose induzida pelo calor endovenoso avançada, pela simplicidade da posologia, sem comprometimento da eficácia ou da segurança. São necessários estudos prospectivos, randomizados e controlados que possibilitem melhor entendimento da condição e o desenvolvimento de recomendações mais definitivas sobre opções de prevenção e tratamento.

Endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) is defined as propagation of a thrombus from a superficial vein into a deeper vein and is generally considered clinically insignificant if the thrombus does not propagate to the deep venous system. The condition can be treated with anticoagulation therapy, although monitoring may be sufficient, especially in less severe cases. In this paper we report on two cases of EHIT that met the criteria for indication of low molecular weight heparin until resolution of symptoms. However, the treatment actually chosen was 15 mg of rivaroxaban every 12 h and the outcomes were complete thrombus resolution in 4 weeks in Case 1 and 7 days in Case 2. Rivaroxaban may be a promising alternative for treatment of severe EHIT because the dosage regimen is simplified without compromising efficacy or safety. Prospective, randomized, controlled studies are needed to better understand EHIT and to develop more definitive recommendations on prevention and treatment options for this condition.

Terapia antitrombótica na fase aguda das síndromes coronarianas aguda / Antithrombotic therapy in acute phase of acute coronary syndrome

A morbidade e a mortalidade nas síndromes coronarianas agudas – causadas principalmente pela instabilidade da placa aterosclerótica, levando à formação de trombos – foi bastante reduzida com o advento de antiplaquetários, antitrombóticos e revascularização precoce. Hoje, dispomos de quatro antitrombóticos para uso nestas condições: a heparina não fracionada, a de baixo peso molecular, o fondaparinux e a bivalirudina – sendo apenas as três primeiras disponíveis no Brasil. Como são agentes antiocoagulantes, o risco de sangramento não é desprezível e deve ser apropriadamente dosado com o fim de trazer o máximo benefício antitrombótico, sem grande risco hemorrágico. Nesta revisão sumarizamos o atual estado da arteno uso de antitrombóticos no Brasil...

Morbidity and mortality in the acute coronary syndromes – caused in the majorly by atherosclerotic plaque instability, with consequent thrombus formation – was drastically reduced by the advent of antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents, and by early revascularization. Nowadays, we have 4 antithrombotic agents: unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux and bivalirudin – with only the first 3 available in Brazil. As they comprise anticoagulant effects, the risk of bleedingis high and must be taken into account when prescribed, in order to bring the greater benefits without higher bleeding risk. In this review we summarized the current state of the art about the use of these agents in our country...

Radiofrequency thermal ablation versus conventional saphenectomy / Ablação térmica por radiofrequência versus safenectomia convencional

Varicose veins of the lower limbs have a high prevalence worldwide. New treatment techniques have been developed with the objectives of improving patients' quality of life and reducing recovery times. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with incompetent saphenous veins treated using conventional saphenectomy or radiofrequency ablation (RF), in terms of postoperative status. METHODS: From May 2012 to April 2013 146 varicose veins patients with saphenous insufficiency, 90 of whom were treated with conventional surgery (G1) and 56 with RF ablation (G2), were evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: In G1, 88.61% of patients complained of postoperative pain and needed to take analgesics, compared with 28.85% in G2 (p<0.05). Mean pain rating on an analog scale from 0 to 10 was 3.91±2.13 points for G1 and 1.76±3.01 points for G2 (p<0.05). Recovery periods ranged from 26.63±13.3 days to 18.26±19.37 days, for G1 and G2 respectively. Mean time taken to become totally asymptomatic was 66.78±60.9 days for G1 and 38.38±46.8 days for G2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The RF treatment method caused less postoperative pain and resulted in earlier recovery, when compared to conventional saphenectomy...

As varizes dos membros inferiores têm elevada prevalência mundial e as técnicas convencionais de tratamento têm seus resultados bem definidos há décadas. O advento de novas tecnologias nos obriga a avaliar os resultados e compará-los com métodos tradicionais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o tratamento de pacientes com varizes dos membros inferiores e insuficiência de safenas por safenectomia convencional (SF) ou ablação por radiofrequência (RF), quanto aos sintomas pós-operatórios. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Entre maio/2011 e abril/2013, foram avaliados prospectivamente 146 pacientes com varizes dos membros inferiores e insuficiência de safenas, sendo 90 por SF (G1) e 56 por RF (G2). RESULTADOS: Quanto aos quesitos avaliados, o G1 evidenciou 88,61% dos pacientes com queixa de dor pós-operatória com necessidade do uso de analgésicos e o G2, 28,85% (p<0,05). A média da graduação da dor através da escala analógica - de 0 a 10 - foi de 3,91±2,13 pontos no G1 e de 1,76±3,01 pontos no G2 (p<0,05). O período de recuperação variou de 26,63±13,3 dias para o G1 e 18,26±19,37 dias para o G2. O tempo médio até tornar-se assintomático foi 66,78±60,9 dias para G1 e 38,38±46,8 dias para G2. CONCLUSÃO: A RF propiciou menor dor pós-operatória e recuperação mais precoce quando comparada à SF...

Clinical Performance of the 1st American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Guideline on Prevention of Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty in Korean Patients

We sought to document the clinical performance of the 1st American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guideline on the prevention of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Korean patients, in terms of the proportions of the each risk-stratified group, efficacy and safety. Consecutive 328 patients underwent TKA were preoperatively assessed for the risks of PE and bleeding and categorized into 4 groups: 1) standard risk, 2) high risk for PE, 3) high risk for bleeding, and 4) high risks both for PE and bleeding. One of three options was administered according to the groups (aspirin in group 1 or 4; enoxaparin and following aspirin in group 2; antithrombotic stocking in group 3). Incidences of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and PE, and major or minor bleeding complications were evaluated. Majority of the patients (86%) were assessed to be with standard risks both for PE and bleeding. No patient experienced symptomatic DVT or PE and major bleeding. Eleven percent of the patients discontinued chemoprophylaxis because of bleeding-related wound complication. In conclusion, the 1st AAOS guideline functions successfully in Korean patients undergoing TKA in terms of prevention of symptomatic DVT and PE while avoiding major bleeding complications.

Effects of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin in prophylactic and therapeutic doses on the fertility of female Wistar rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of exposure of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) in prophylactic and therapeutic doses on the fertility rates of pregnant healthy Wistar rats. METHODS: Enoxaparin and UFH were administered in prophylactic doses 1 mg/Kg/day 72 UI/Kg/day, and in therapeutic doses at 2 mg/kg/day 400UI/Kg/day. The rats were divided into five groups. The number of live and dead foetuses was quantified. The uterine horns were dissected and the presence of early and late reabsorptions (abortions) was determined. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We did not observe statistically significant differences between groups when comparing the average weight of the foetuses and placentas, rate of female VS males, rates of pre-implantation loss (RPL), rates of efficiency implantation (REI), rates of post-implantation loss (RPIL) and rates of foetal viability (RFV). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant effect on fertility with the use of anticoagulant drugs in pregnant healthy Wistar rats. .

Catéter subcutáneo para la administración de heparina de bajo peso molecular en pediatría / Subcutaneous catheter used for administration of low-molecular-weight-heparin in pediatrics

Introduction: Subcutaneous catheter is a device easy to assemble, which was created for the administration of insulin in diabetic patients, especially in children, aiming to reduce the number of punctures, pain and anxiety of patients and their parents. Objective: To describe the experience using the catheter for subcutaneous administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in hospitalized pediatric patients. Patients and Method: A prospective descriptive study in 28 patients who used 87 subcutaneous catheters for the administration of LMWH in the Pediatric Service of the Universidad Catolica de Chile between July, 2010 and November, 2011. Results: Complications associated with the catheter had an incidence of 33 percentin total catheters evaluated; the most frequent complication was the presence of hematoma at the site of insertion (26 percent). These complications occurred more frequently in male (38 percent versus 31 percent in females) and younger patients (9 months versus 12 months), who received dalteparin (54 percent versus 30 percent of other types of heparin) administered every 24 hours (41percent versus 30 percent, administered every 12 hours), and when the catheter was located on both thighs (36 percent versus 32 percent in both arms); however, these differences were not statistically confirmed. Conclusion: The subcutaneous catheter is a good technique to be considered for LMWH in children as it presents minor complications for drug administration.

Introducción: El catéter subcutáneo es un dispositivo de fácil instalación, el cual fue ideado para la administración de insulinas en pacientes diabéticos, especialmente en pediatría, con el fin de disminuir el número de punciones, el dolor y la ansiedad de los pacientes y sus padres. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia del uso del catéter subcutáneo para la administración de heparina de bajo peso molecular (HBPM) en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 28 pacientes que utilizaron 87 catéteres subcutáneos instalados para la administración de HBPM, en el Servicio de Pediatría de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile en el período comprendido entre los meses de julio de 2010 y noviembre de 2011. Resultados: Las complicaciones asociadas al catéter presentaron una incidencia de 33 por ciento en el total de catéteres evaluados, siendo la más frecuente la presencia de hematoma en el sitio de inserción (26 por ciento). Estas complicaciones se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes de sexo masculino (38 por ciento versus 31 por ciento en sexo femenino) de menor edad (9 meses versus 12 meses), con indicación de dalteparina (54 por ciento versus 30 por ciento con otros tipos de heparina) administrada cada 24 h (41 por ciento versus 30 por ciento cuando fue administrada cada 12 h), y cuando el catéter estuvo ubicado en ambos muslos (36 por ciento versus 32 por ciento en ambos brazos); sin embargo, estas diferencias no fueron confirmadas estadísticamente. Conclusión: El catéter subcutáneo es una buena técnica a considerar para la administración de HBPM en la edad pediátrica, ya que permite la administración del medicamento con complicaciones leves asociadas a su uso.