A review of thromboembolic events in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Paul Fontelo, Mrigendra M. Bastola, ZhaoNian Zheng, Seo Hyon Baik
Abstract
CONTEXT: A higher incidence of thromboembolic disorders in COVID-19 has been reported by many clinicians worldwide. OBJECTIVE, DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES: Selected studies found in PubMed that reported thromboembolic events were included for meta-analysis using weighted fixed and random effects. Data from 19 articles on cohort studies in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and thromboembolic events, including thrombosis and embolism were included in this review. RESULTS: The likelihood for developing thromboembolic disorders in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 0.28 (95% CI 0.21-0.36). CONCLUSION: This study further validates the increased risk of VTE in COVID-19 patients when compared to healthy, non-hospitalized people, and hospitalized patients. These findings will be useful to researchers and medical practitioners caring for COVID-19 patients.