Anticoagulant prophylaxis and therapy in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies of the early and late pulmonary and cardiovascular changes, coagulation disorders and risk of venous thromboembolism in thе course of the infection are ongoing. Of particular interest are the published data on these topics and the recommendations for anticoagulant prophylaxis and treatment in the clinical practice. This review summarizes answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about COVID-19: incidence of thromboembolic complications; should all patients with COVID-19 receive a prophylactic dose of anticoagulant; which anticoagulants are recommended for use in patients hospitalized in a general ward or intensive care unit; what potential drug interactions should be considered in patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelets who are also taking COVID-19 therapies; which patients with COVID-19 are recommended to continue antithrombotic prophylaxis after their hospital discharge. We hope this information will be useful for all medical specialists who are dealing with COVID-19 patients: internists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, general practitioners

Keywords

• COVID-19
• anticoagulants
• prophylaxis
• thromboembo