Current Perspectives of Anticoagulation in Patients With COVID-19

Elizabeth M Gavioli1, Gabriela Sikorska1, Ammy Man1

  • 1Division of Pharmacy, Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Brooklyn, NY; and.

Insights

Patients with COVID-19 frequently experience thromboembolism and myocardial injury. Low-molecular-weight heparin may improve outcomes by reducing coagulation and inflammation, warranting consideration for thromboprophylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • COVID-19 is associated with a high incidence of thromboembolic events and myocardial injury.
  • Coagulation and inflammation markers are often elevated in patients with COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of low-molecular-weight heparin in managing COVID-19 associated coagulopathy.
  • To provide recommendations for thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Observational analysis of clinical data from COVID-19 patients.
  • Review of existing literature on anticoagulation in COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • Low-molecular-weight heparin demonstrated an association with improved prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
  • Low-molecular-weight heparin showed potential in reducing key coagulation and inflammation markers.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalized COVID-19 patients should receive thromboprophylaxis.
  • Consideration for full therapeutic anticoagulation or tissue plasminogen activator is advised for high-risk or mechanically ventilated patients.
  • Extended thromboprophylaxis at discharge may benefit high-risk individuals. Clinical judgment is crucial for balancing anticoagulation benefits against bleeding risks.

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