Blood Clots in Patients with SARS-CoV-2

Many physicians treating patients with SARS-CoV-2 have noticed an increased incidence of blood clots, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.  Studies at this point are lacking but there is a hypothesis that this infection affects coagulation. For this reason, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has recommended that all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those that are not critically ill, should receive prophylactic dose low molecular weight heparin unless contraindicated.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)  can pose an additional very serious complication to these patients because blood clots in the veins can break loose and travel to the heart and lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). Deep vein thrombosis signs and symptoms can include: Swelling, leg pain (often cramping or sudden difficulty walking), red discoloration of the skin and a feeling of warmth in the affected leg.