A systematic review of the venous thromboembolism prevalence and related risk factors in patients with Covid-19

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The present study was performed to evaluate the pooled prevalence of the venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the factors affecting its incidence in patients who are affected with coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Patients and methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out by searching all the authentic online databases. The study includes papers worldwide since 2019 to 2022. After assessing related articles, the required information was collected based on a prepared checklist and analyzed by STATA software. Result According to the estimates, pooled prevalence of VTE among patients with Covid-19 was 0.17 (95% CI = 0.13–0.22, P = 0.000). Analysis of prevalence values of VTE in patients with Covid-19 based on geographical areas showed statistically significant differences emerged from the study results. Analyses showed that stroke is a significant risk factor. Discussion The present study showed a relatively high prevalence of VTE in patients infected with coronavirus. Results of study showed that prevalence of VTE is significantly differ according to geographical areas; it can be concluded that racial differences and genetic factors can affect the VTE incidence in Covid-19-affected patients. Additionally, a history of stroke and cerebrovascular events can be a risk factor indicating the need for prophylactic anticoagulant treatment in these patients, but history of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver disease, malignancy, and smoking is not risk factors of VTE in patients affected with Covid-19.