A recent study has investigated benefits of anticoagulation for patients with COVID-19 infection. The study was prompted by recommendations by experts because of the of disseminated intravascular coagulation and venous thromboembolism associated with the infection. The study involved 449 patients with severe COVID-19 in a Chinese hospital, of which 99 received heparin (the majority with low molecular weight heparin for ≥ 7 days. The 28-day mortality of heparin users was lower compared to nonusers in patients with sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) score ≥4 (40.0% vs 64.2%, p = 0.029), or D‐dimer > 3.0 mg/mL (32.8% vs 52.4%, p = 0.017). The study suggests an association between anticoagulant therapy and improved prognosis in severe COVID-19 patients with coagulopathy. While prospective studies are required, there does appear to be an early signal. The full details of the study can be accessed here.
Contributed by Australian Medication Safety Services Associate – Isabella Singh