Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Patients With Severe COVID-19

Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Patients With Severe COVID-19

Severe COVID-19 patients at a high risk of venous thromboembolism. We studied patients in 2 intensive care units of university hospitals in Barcelona and Badalona, Spain. We performed a cut-off screening of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with bilateral duplex ultrasound to 230 patients.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with coagulation disorders and increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of the study is to determine the cumulative incidence of VTE in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and its impact on prognosis.

Methods Cohort study of critically ill patients due to COVID-19. A bilateral venous compression (CUS) ultrasound screening of the lower extremities was performed during a cut-off period in 2 intensive care units of university hospitals in Spain. Asymptomatic and symptomatic VTE were registered: pulmonary embolism (PE) (diagnosed by CT-angiography) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The characteristics of the patients, results of their blood tests and their evolution after 7 days of follow-up were recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment with Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Pregnant or postpartum women
• Under 18 years old