Clinical Experience, Pathophysiology, and Considerations in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Hypercoagulopathy of COVID-19: A Review Study

Since the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, an increasing number of reports and studies have tried to warn the medical community about the thrombotic complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is suggested that the hyperinflammatory response and endothelial injury, especially in patients with severe disease, lead to a hypercoagulable state. Sudden deaths occurring in some patients also point to fulminant arrhythmias and massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Several expert panels have published recommendations regarding the prophylaxis and treatment of such complications. Nonetheless, there are limited high-quality studies for evidence-based decision-making, and most of these recommendations have arisen from descriptive studies, and optimal anticoagulant agents and dosages are yet to be designated. The coagulopathy persists after the acute phase of the illness, and some panels recommend the continuation of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis for several days after regaining the normal daily activities by the patient. Here, we review the incidence and possible mechanisms of thrombotic complications, and present a summary of the considerations for the prophylaxis and treatment of such complications in the adult population.