The incidence of thromboembolic complications in patients admitted with COVID-19 infection

Precise knowledge of the risk of thrombotic complications in COVID-19 patients is important for decision making with regard to intensity of thromboprophylaxis, especially in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) who are at highest thrombotic risk. Most admitted patients currently receive thromboprophylaxis, but in spite of that, a number of patients develops thromboembolism. Such patients have been observed in our practice (unpublished cases in Østfold Hospital). We have also encountered patients developing VTE 2-3 week post discharge following a short hospital admission to non-intensive wards and even in one patient who was managed entirely at home (unpublished cases in Østfold Hospital). Therefore, we believe unlike the aforementioned study that it is important to conduct a study to determine the risk of thromboembolism in unselected COVID-19 inpatient population, regardless of whether admitted in the ICU or in a non-intensive ward and to extend the follow-up to 9 days. We also want to explore the current practice with thromboprophylaxis, including pattern of use, type, dosage and duration of thromboprophylactic agents as a quality control measure and if there is need to extend thromboprophylaxis for some weeks after discharge. Therefore it is important to include all patients admitted to Norwegian hospitals with COVID-19 infection.

Project leader:
Waleed Ghanima

Local contact OUS:
Hilde Skuterud Wik