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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Breakthrough venous thromboembolic events in five patients with COVID-19 on direct oral anticoagulants
Paul Lewis1, Jennifer L Tharp1
1Department of Pharmacy, Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN, USA.
What Is Known And Objective:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Guidance for VTE prophylaxis continues to evolve, including addressing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) continued upon hospitalization.
Case Summaries:
We present 5 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 while on DOACs. Four patients had atrial fibrillation and had a previous VTE. Four patients developed acute VTE and one developed stroke-like symptoms. Monitoring D-dimer assisted with the detection of VTE. Three patients died, and two were discharged alive.
What Is New And Conclusion:
Therapeutic failure with DOACs appears to be commonplace in COVID-19. Further research is needed to determine whether there is an underlying cause to this association.
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