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Course: Finding the Optimal Thromboprophylaxis Dose in Patients With COVID-19

CME Credits: 1.00

Released: 2021-03-18

From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a distinct coagulation disturbance of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been recognized. This thrombo-inflammatory phenotype, characterized by endotheliopathy, hypercoagulability, and coagulation activation, results in an increased risk of thromboembolic events.- Initial observational cohort studies described high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill patients with COVID-19, despite consistent use of standard prophylactic doses of heparin-based anticoagulants. Additionally, published autopsy series described microthrombosis in multiple organs. These reports led to the rapid publication of expert guidance statements that advocated consideration of escalated thromboprophylaxis doses in critically ill patients with COVID-19,, pending the results of randomized clinical trials evaluating different doses. Escalated thromboprophylaxis can take the form of empirical therapeutic-dose anticoagulation or, alternatively, intermediate-dose anticoagulation (generally 0.5 mg/kg of enoxaparin twice daily or 1 mg/kg of enoxaparin once daily [or an equivalent]) in an attempt to better balance thrombotic and bleeding risks. Although major bleeding is less common in patients with COVID-19, it has been associated with substantial morbidity.


Educational Objective
To identify the key insights or developments described in this article


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