Comparison between unfractionated heparin (UFH) and fondaparinux on platelets and D-dimer level in COVID-19 patients with hypercoagulation

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the clinical effects between UFH and fondaparinux in COVID-19 patients with hypercoagulation. Material and methods: This was a prospective cohort study. Samples were taken consecutively from hospitalized COVID-19 patients with hypercoagulation who received UFH or fondaparinux based on the standardized guidelines. A total of 71 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated for platelet and D-dimer values before and after administration of UFH or fondaparinux. Results: Although there was no difference in D-dimer reduction between the two groups (p = 0.44), fondaparinux showed a greater reduction, 26% against 22% for UFH. While on platelets, there was a significant difference (p = 0.04) between fondaparinux and UFH. Fondaparinux showed a reduced thrombocytopenia impact, as seen by an increase in pre- and post-therapy platelets of up to 50%, compared to 16% in UFH. In regard to the incidence of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), there was no significant difference between post-UFH therapy and post-fondaparinux therapy (p = 0.361). Conclusion: Fondaparinux did not reduce platelet levels as much as UFH, but there was no difference between the fondaparinux group compared to the UFH group in the effect of decreasing D-dimer levels and the sign of HIT.