Deep Vein Thrombosis in Intensive Care Patients with COVID-19 Infection - Impact of a Standardised Therapeutic Regimen

Background and Objectives It has been reported that the risk of deep vein thrombosis is greater in patients with COVID-19 infection. We have now investigated whether a standardised therapy can reduce the risk of DVT. Materials and Methods After establishing standard therapy with anticoagulation, steroids and convalescent plasma, we screened 20 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia for DVT by ultrasound examination. The comparison group contained 20 COVID patients with inconsistent therapy, who were examined for the presence of thrombosis during the first wave. Results In the current patient population with standard therapy, we could not detect any thrombosis, and in the prior patients group only 25% of patients developed DVT. Pulmonary embolism was found in one patient in the first cohort and two in the second. Conclusion The risk of DVT could be reduced through anticoagulation, and administration of steroids and convalescent plasma. The specific significance of the individual components has not yet been clarified. Since bleeding is a rarely observed in SARS-CoV-2 infections, a generous indication for anticoagulation seems to be justified.