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A comprehensive review of vascular complications in COVID-19
Yogesh Acharya1, Aqeel Alameer2, Gavin Calpin3
1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Western Vascular Institute, University Hospital Galway, National University of Ireland, Newcastle Road, H91 YR71, Galway, Ireland.
Insights
COVID-19 causes systemic inflammation and a hypercoagulable state, leading to vascular complications like thrombosis. More research is needed on managing these vascular issues and anticoagulation strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- COVID-19 is associated with systemic inflammation and a procoagulant state.
- Vascular complications, including thrombosis and endothelial dysfunction, are frequently observed in COVID-19 patients.
- Dysfunctional coagulation pathways are evident, yet large-scale studies on vascular complications are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on vascular complications in COVID-19.
- To highlight the need for specialized studies and clear management guidelines for COVID-19-associated vascular issues.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding pathogenesis, epidemiology, and outcomes for risk stratification and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar.
- Identification of relevant studies based on the objective of reviewing vascular complications in COVID-19.
- Analysis of reported data on inflammation, coagulation, and thrombotic events.
Main Results:
- Multiple studies confirm widespread inflammation and a hypercoagulable state in COVID-19.
- Reported complications include thrombotic microangiopathy, endothelial dysfunction, bleeding disorders, and thrombosis.
- Hypercoagulability and vascular complications are significant predictors of patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for large, specialized studies on COVID-19 vascular complications.
- Definitive recommendations for thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulation in COVID-19 are lacking.
- Understanding these vascular issues is crucial for effective risk stratification and patient management.
Abstract:
This study aims to review the available literature pertinent to vascular complications in COVID-19. A systematic search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify all relevant studies based on our study objective. Multiple studies have reported widespread systemic inflammation and procoagulant/hypercoagulable state in COVID-19, including thrombotic microangiopathy, endothelial dysfunction, bleeding disorder, and thrombosis. However, large specialised studies on vascular complications are lacking despite current evidence indicating dysfunctional coagulation pathways. Furthermore, there are no clear and definitive recommendations regarding thromboprophylaxis or full therapeutic anticoagulation in COVID-19. Several studies have reported hypercoagulability and vascular complications as important predictors of patient outcome in COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to understand the pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, and outcomes of patients who develop venous or arterial thrombosis and those with a pre-existing thrombotic disease who contract COVID-19 for risk stratification, thromboprophylaxis, optimal antithrombotic therapy during active infection and long-term anticoagulation following discharge or recovery.
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