Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is frequently observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, reported VTE‐rates differ substantially.

Objectives

We aimed at evaluating available data and estimating the prevalence of VTE in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, WHO COVID‐19 database) to identify studies reporting VTE‐rates in COVID‐19 patients. Studies with suspected high risk of bias were excluded from quantitative synthesis. Pooled outcome rates were obtained within a random effects meta‐analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed for different settings (intensive care unit (ICU) vs. non‐ICU hospitalization and screening vs. no screening) and the association of D‐dimer levels and VTE‐risk was explored.

Results

Eighty‐six studies (33,970 patients) were identified and 66 (28,173 patients, mean age: 62.6 years, 60% men, 20% ICU‐patients) were included in quantitative analysis. The overall VTE‐prevalence estimate was 14.1% (95%CI 11.6‐16.9), 40.3% (95%CI 27.0‐54.3) with ultrasound‐screening and 9.5% (95%CI 7.5‐11.7) without screening. Subgroup analysis revealed high heterogeneity, with a VTE‐prevalence of 7.9% (95%CI 5.1‐11.2) in non‐ICU and 22.7% (95%CI 18.1‐27.6) in ICU patients. Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in non‐ICU and ICU patients was 3.5% (95%CI 2.2‐5.1) and 13.7% (95%CI 10.0‐17.9). Patients developing VTE had higher D‐dimer levels (weighted mean difference 3.26 µg/ml (95%CI 2.76‐3.77) than non‐VTE patients.

Conclusion

VTE occurs in 22.7% of patients with COVID‐19 in the ICU, but VTE risk is also increased in non‐ICU hospitalized patients. Patients developing VTE had higher D‐dimer levels. Studies evaluating thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients with COVID‐19 are needed to improve prevention of VTE.