Update to coagulopathy in COVID-19: Manifestations and management

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Hematology
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• Severe COVID-19 is linked to significant inflammation.
• This inflammation increases thrombotic complication risks, raising morbidity and mortality.
• Key lab findings include elevated D-dimer with normal fibrinogen in COVID-19 coagulopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• To recommend aggressive prophylaxis and screening for critically ill patients with high D-dimer levels.
• To identify point-of-care ultrasonography as a preferred imaging method for high-risk patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of laboratory findings in severe COVID-19.
• Analysis of VTE prophylaxis guidelines for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Evaluation of imaging modalities for VTE screening.

Main Results:

• Elevated D-dimer levels (>3.0 μg/mL) indicate high risk in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
• Point-of-care ultrasonography is effective for high-risk VTE screening.
• Ultrasonography minimizes provider exposure risk.

Conclusions:

• VTE prophylaxis is crucial for all hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Critically ill patients with high D-dimer require intensified VTE management.
• Point-of-care ultrasound is a safe and effective tool for VTE assessment in this population.