Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence shows that severe COVID-19 can be complicated by a significant coagulopathy, that likely manifests in the form of both microthrombosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE). This recognition has led to the urgent need for practical guidance regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of VTE.

METHODS

A group of approved panelists developed key clinical questions by using the PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) format that addressed urgent clinical questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19. MEDLINE (via PubMed or Ovid), Embase and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials were systematically searched for relevant literature and references were screened for inclusion. Validated evaluation tools were used to grade the level of evidence to support each recommendation. When evidence did not exist, guidance was developed based on consensus using the modified Delphi process.

RESULTS

The systematic review and critical analysis of the literature based on13 PICO questions resulted in 22 statements. Very little evidence exists in the COVID-19 population. The panel thus used expert consensus and existing evidence-based guidelines to craft the guidance statements.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence on the optimal strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 is sparse, but rapidly evolving.