Deep vein thrombosis in non-critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. DVT in non-ICU patients.

Jimenez-Guiu, Xavier; Huici-Sánchez, Malka; Romera-Villegas, Antonio; Izquierdo-Miranda, Alexandre; Sancho-Cerro, Ana; Vila-Coll, Ramon

BACKGROUND / OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolic events are one of the main causes of mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of our study is to describe the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in non-critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and correlate such observations with the thromboprophylaxis received. PATIENTS/METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 68 patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 pneumonia. Diagnosis was confirmed with PCR testing of nasopharyngeal specimens. Deep veins were examined using compression with the transducer on B-mode. Patients were separated into two groups for statistical analysis: those undergoing LMWH prophylaxis and those receiving intermediate or complete anticoagulation treatment. Risk analysis and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: We included 57 patients, on whom a CDUS was performed. Of these patients, 49.1% were women, with a mean age of 71.3 years old. Six patients were diagnosed with DVT; the prevalence of in-hospital DVT in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was 10.5%. All patients who presented with a DVT were on LMWH prophylaxis. Patients undergoing prophylactic anticoagulation treatment had a higher risk of DVT by 16.21% [95% CI 0.04-0.28 (p-value 0.056)], when compared to those treated with intermediate or complete anticoagulation treatment. We also found a protective factor for DVT in the intermediate or complete anticoagulation treatment group [OR of 0.19 (95% CI 0.08-0.46) p-value <0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Non-critically ill, hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are at high risk of deep vein thrombosis despite correct, standard thromboprophylaxis.