Pulmonary embolism and COVID-19

Aims: There is increasing concern amongst clinicians of a possible increase in venous thromboembolism (VTE) events in patients with COVID-19. There remains limited data defining the incidence of VTE in this population and thus also a paucity of research examining the impact of targeted treatment in patients with thrombotic complications. Methods: We examined the number of symptomatic VTE events amongst proven COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary level academic hospital, over a one-month period. Patient characteristics, admission and discharge inflammatory and coagulation markers were included in the analysis. Results: Sixty-one patients were identified. Twelve patients (19.6%) admitted with COVID-19 were treated for a suspected PE. Of these patients, 3 patients were discharged on anticoagulation, 3 died and 6 remain inpatients at the end of the study period. Discussion: COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of VTE. This risk may extend beyond the period of admission. Further research examining the role of extending the duration of thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19 patients beyond hospital discharge is warranted