Thrombosis in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

The magnitude of thrombosis in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is yet to be understood fully. Thrombosis in COVID-19 patients depends on multiple factors like the severity of the disease, presence or absence of prophylactic anticoagulants, and the number of anticoagulants prescribed. Histologically, lung tissues from COVID patients show florid capillary endothelitis with microthrombi formation in alveolar capillaries and small pulmonary vessels. Inflammation and diffuse alveolar damage, extensive pulmonary macrophage activation and diffuse interstitial inflammation play an important role in microthrombi formation in the pulmonary vessels. If antithrombotic therapy is already prescribed before the diagnosis of COVID-19, it should be continued. For all hospitalized pregnant patients, prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is prescribed unless contraindicated. Anticoagulant therapy during labor requires special care. Appropriate therapeutic and prophylactic anticoagulant regimens must be initiated as and when required including in the post discharge phase.