Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Abstract

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it is unclear if mild Covid-19 infection is a significant risk factor for VTE. Our goal was to investigate the overall incidence of VTE in Covid-19 patients at our community hospital and assess its correlates. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients 18 years and older who tested positive for Covid-19 at our hospital between March 2020 and September 2021. Results A total of 5926 patients aged 18 to 99 years had Covid-19. Of these patients, 64 (incidence of 1.08%) had VTE; 63% were male and 58% were African Americans. The highest rate of VTE was seen in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (n=47, 73%) followed by a history of thromboembolism (n=19, 30%); patients (n=6, 9%) with mild Covid-19 also developed VTE. Conclusions In our study of a predominantly African American population, the VTE incidence (1.08%) was ten times higher than the general population’s rate of 0.1%. Covid-19 infection, even mild category, not requiring hospitalization was a risk factor for VTE. The risk was increased in men and those who have cardiovascular risk factors and/or prior history of thromboembolism.