Rivaroxaban for the treatment of venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients

Anticoagulant therapy is in use for both prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolic disorders. Delivering safe and effective anticoagulation in the pediatric population is challenging, since the available standard therapy with parenteral UFH and LMWH is troublesome for most pediatric patients, and VKAs require frequent INR monitoring due to the unpredictable pharmacokinetics and numerous food and drug interactions. Rivaroxaban, a direct FXa inhibitor, offers the convenience of oral administration and predictable pharmacokinetics across a wide range of patients. Its safety and efficacy have been previously established in various adult indications.