Efficacy and Safety of Oral Anticoagulants in the Treatment of COVID-19

Abstract

Coagulopathy and associated thrombotic complications are common conditions seen in COVID-19. Therefore, anticoagulants are an integral part of the treatment of patients with COVID-19.The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of oral anticoagulants and low molecular weight heparins in the prevention of pulmonary embolism and their safety in terms of major bleeding incidence, as well as to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using oral anticoagulants in the treatment of COVID-19.Materials and methods. Two stages of patient management were compared: before and after the start of a widespread use of oral anticoagulants (OAC). The incidence of pulmonary embolism and gastrointestinal bleeding during the compared time periods was analyzed to assess the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants. To assess the cost-effectiveness, we compared the cost of anticoagulants per day of treatment and per patient.Results. The incidence of pulmonary embolism and gastrointestinal bleeding did not differ during the compared time periods. Despite the increased frequency of anticoagulant use, the costs per day of treatment and per patient decreased after the start of a widespread use of OACs.Conclusion. According to the results of the study, inclusion of OACs in COVID-19 management protocols allows to reduce treatment costs without compromising its efficacy and safety. However, the short period of comparison does not allow drawing any firm conclusions. Additional large-scale comparative studies are needed.

Keywords

• covid-19
• oral anticoagulants
• thromboembolism prevention