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Extensive Thrombosis in a Severe COVID-19 Patient Despite Prophylactic Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Sherif Elkattawy1, Sahitya Posimreddy2, Nirmal Guragai2
1Internal Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School/Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, USA.
Insights
Severe COVID-19 patients with high D-dimer may still develop dangerous blood clots, even with preventative blood thinners. This case highlights the need for careful monitoring and potential treatment adjustments in high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Elevated D-dimer levels (>1 mcg/L) are linked to increased mortality in severe COVID-19.
- Prophylactic anticoagulation is recommended for severe COVID-19 patients in China, barring contraindications.
Abstract:
D-dimer >1 mcg/L has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality, and experts from China have recommended starting prophylactic doses of anticoagulation in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) unless contraindicated. We present a case of extensive intravascular thrombosis in an otherwise healthy patient with severe COVID-19 disease despite prophylactic anticoagulation.
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