Abstract
COVID-19, a disease caused by a new p-coronavirus, may be associated with a specific feature - prothrombotic coagulopathy and endothelial damage. The risk of thromboembolic complications is high and the most frequent reported event is pulmonary embolism.
The presence of coagulopathy and thromboembolic complications significantly worsen patients' prognosis. Thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is suggested in all patients hospitalized for COVID-19 (in the absence of contraindications) and is strongly recommended in all patients in intensive care units.
There were even reports about thromboembolic complications occurring despite the use of LMWH in prophylactic doses. Currently, the research aiming at determining optimal dosing and duration of LMWH use in COVID-19 patients is ongoing.
The treatment of suspected or established venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients should be initiated with LMWH and later on, direct oral anticoagulants may be used on outpatient basis, with careful assessment of potential interactions with antiviral drugs.