February 13, 2021

Early Initiation of Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality in Patients Admitted to Hospital in the United States: Cohort Study

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

Keywords (Tags): treatment

Among 4,297 patients admitted to hospitals with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and no history of using anticoagulation medications, initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation in the first 24 hours after hospitalization was associated with a 27% lower risk of 30-day mortality and no increased risk of serious bleeding events. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 30 days was 14% among those who received prophylactic anticoagulation and 19% among those who did not. The anticoagulants included warfarin, intravenous heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants. The observational study used a propensity model to try to balance the comorbidities and other characteristics in the treated and untreated groups.

Rentsch et al. (Feb 11, 2021). Early Initiation of Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality in Patients Admitted to Hospital in the United States: Cohort Study. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n311