Thromboembolic prevention and anticoagulant therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: updated clinical guidance from the anticoagulation forum
Geoffrey D. Barnes, Allison Burnett, Arthur L. Allen, Jack Ansell, Marilyn Blumenstein, Nathan P. Clark, Mark Crowther, William E. Dager, Steven Deitelzweig, Stacy Ellsworth, David García, Scott Kaatz, Leslie Raffini, Anita Rajasekhar, Andrea Van Beek, Tracy Minichiello
Abstract
Thromboembolism is a common and deadly consequence of COVID-19 infection for hospitalized patients. Based on clinical evidence pre-dating the COVID-19 pandemic and early observational reports, expert consensus and guidance documents have strongly encouraged the use of prophylactic anticoagulation for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. More recently, multiple clinical trials and larger observational studies have provided evidence for tailoring the approach to thromboprophylaxis for patients with COVID-19. This document provides updated guidance for the use of anticoagulant therapies in patients with COVID-19 from the Anticoagulation Forum, the leading North American organization of anticoagulation providers. We discuss ambulatory, in-hospital, and post-hospital thromboprophylaxis strategies as well as provide guidance for patients with thrombotic conditions who are considering COVID-19 vaccination.