COVID-19 and Anticoagulation

Abstract

With infection of SARS-CoV-2, a0, response in both hemostatic and immune systems begins. The mechanism of coagulopathy that SARS-CoV-2 virus cause is as a result of a complex order of initial effects promoting thrombosis both on microvascular and macrovascular scale. Starting from the pulmonary circulation, depending on the course of the disease, a simple inflammation can advance to acute pulmonary injury which threatens hemodynamics of the patient and can potentially create multisystemic dysfunctions. While the symptoms are only mild in the majority of patients, a distinguishing aspect of COVID-19 is that a certain percentage of individuals experience serious complications shortly after infection. These complications include adult respiratory syndrome (ARDS) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), sepsis leading to organ failure, and ultimately, death. The beneficial use of anticoagulants in COVID-19 patients has the potential of reducing the risk of thrombotic events like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This chapter compiles existing studies and presents recommendations for a better understanding of the disease and clinical approach.