Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
11:12

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves

Published on: October 17, 2013

14.0K

High rate of bleeding and arterial thrombosis in COVID-19: Saudi multicenter study

Abdulrahman Al Raizah1,2,3, Ahmed Al Askar4,5,6, Naila Shaheen6,7

  • 1Division of Adult Hematology, Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, PO Box. 22490, 11426, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. alzairaab@ngha.med.sa.

Thrombosis Journal
|March 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU experienced higher rates of arterial and bleeding complications. Elevated D-dimer levels predict thrombotic complications, suggesting caution with intensified anticoagulation therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Conflicting results exist regarding thrombotic event rates in COVID-19 patients.
  • This study aimed to quantify thrombotic and bleeding events in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), arterial events, and bleeding complications in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
  • To identify risk factors for these events, specifically focusing on D-dimer levels.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter study involving 636 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19.
  • Data collected on VTE, arterial events, bleeding complications, and D-dimer levels.
  • Comparison of event rates between intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU groups.

Main Results:

  • Overall VTE rate was 1.8%, with significantly higher rates in the ICU (10.3%) compared to non-ICU (0.19%).
  • Arterial events occurred at an overall rate of 2.2%, higher in ICU (8.4%) vs. non-ICU (0.94%).
  • Bleeding events occurred at an overall rate of 1.7%, with higher rates in ICU (9.4%) vs. non-ICU (0.19%). Elevated baseline D-dimer was a significant predictor for VTE and composite events.

Conclusions:

  • VTE rates in hospitalized COVID-19 patients may not be as high as previously suggested.
  • ICU patients face elevated risks of arterial and bleeding complications.
  • Baseline D-dimer levels can aid in identifying patients at risk for thrombotic complications. Intensified anticoagulation should be approached cautiously and evaluated in clinical trials.
Abstract

Keywords:
Arterial thrombosisBleedingCOVID-19CoronavirusSARS-CoV-2SaudiStrokeThrombosisVenous thromboembolism

More Related Videos

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture07:47

The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture

Published on: November 13, 2013

14.4K

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...