Low rates of venous thromboembolism in hospitalised COVID-19 patients: an Australian experience.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications appear common in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, particularly among critically ill patients in intensive care units. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the reported use of thromboprophylaxis. AIMS: The primary objective was to determine rates of symptomatic VTE in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Secondary objectives were to assess adherence to an institutional risk-adapted thromboprophylaxis guideline, and rates of bleeding complications. METHODS: A retrospective, single-centre, cohort study was performed in consecutive hospitalised COVID-19 patients over a 6-month period (March to August 2020). Enoxaparin was used as thromboprophylaxis in all patients without a contraindication, with dose adjusted according to disease severity, weight and renal function. RESULTS: Among 86 hospitalised COVID-19 patients, no VTE were identified. Eighty-one (94%) patients received anticoagulation, with 90% adherence to institutional thromboprophylaxis guidelines. Four bleeding events occurred, with one clinically relevant non-major bleeding event and three minor bleeding events. CONCLUSION: Low rates of VTE were identified in hospitalised COVID-19 patients using a risk-adapted thromboprophylaxis protocol.