Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021[Aug]; 146 (15): 944-949 PMID34344026show ga
COVID-19, primarily a respiratory disease, is considered a multi-systemic disease as symptom severity increases. Blood coagulation abnormalities are key features of patients with severe symptoms and indicative of the high risk of both venous and arterial thromboembolism in COVID-19. This prothrombotic condition caused by an interplay of the infectious agent, inflammation, and the blood coagulation system is referred to as COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and characterized by greatly increased D-dimer, high fibrinogen, an extended prothrombin time, and a reduced number of platelets. Due to this high thrombotic potential, prophylactic anticoagulation is recommended in all hospitalized patients. However, the optimal dosage of anticoagulation is still debated. In this article, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge about COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and discuss clinical therapeutic consequences.
Dtsch+Med+Wochenschr 2021 ; 146 (15): 944-949
