Background:

Catheter-associated arterial thrombosis in pediatric population is underestimated and there is no standardized treatment.

Objective:

To describe the evolution of children who have presented acute arterial ischemia in any extremity associated with the use of a catheter.

Methods:

Patients with symptoms of acute arterial ischemia associated with arterial catheterization despite the use of vasopressors were included. Demographic, clinical, access, treatment, and complications variables were collected and analyzed.

Results:

25 patients with a mean age of 2.4 years were included. In 22 patients (88%) the ischemia was in lower limbs. All patients presented symptoms of arterial ischemia. In all patients the catheter was removed, and 21 patients received anticoagulation. Mortality at 30 days was 40%. The 15 survivors evolved favorably.

Conclusions:

The evolution of acute arterial ischemia in child population is associated with the evolution of its underlying pathology. Conservative management is an acceptable option.