Thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 disease, a brief update

Abstract

The role of coagulopathy in severe novel coronavirus infection remains to be clarified. Coagulopathy mechanisms can be summarised in two main pathways: inflammation-related and specific-virus related pathways. The incidence of thromboembolic events is high with pulmonary embolism being the most frequent thromboembolic complication. Low molecular weight heparin is considered the main prophylactic and therapeutic option in patients with COVID-19. Treatment of thromboembolic complications should be started without delay in all cases with certain or clinically suspected diagnosis, whether confirmed or not with specific diagnostic methods. The article reviews the following: mechanisms of development of coagulopathy in COVID-19 including those directly related to the action of the virus, the diagnostic value of biochemical markers and thromboelastography, the incidence of thromboembolic events, and approaches to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.

Keywords

• thromboembolism
• covid-19
• venous thrombosis
• coagulopathy
• coagulopathy treatment