ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) is a well-recognized hematologic complication among patients with severe COVID-19 disease, where macro- and micro-thrombosis can lead to multiorgan injury and failure. Major societal guidelines that have published on the management of CAC are based on consensus of expert opinion, with the current evidence available. As a result of limited studies, there are many clinical scenarios that are yet to be addressed, with expert opinion varying on a number of important clinical issues regarding CAC management. METHODS: In this review, we utilize current societal guidelines to provide a framework for practitioners in managing their patients with CAC. We have also provided three clinical scenarios that implement important principles of anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Overall, decisions should be made on acase by cases basis and based on the providers understanding of each patient's medical history, clinical course and perceived risk.
Subject(s)
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Blood Coagulation Disorders/therapy , COVID-19/complications , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Thromboembolism/therapy , Thrombosis/therapy , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Coagulation Disorders/diagnosis , Blood Coagulation Disorders/virology , Drug Monitoring , Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use , Hemorrhage/chemically induced , Hemorrhage/therapy , Heparin/therapeutic use , Humans , Prevalence , Thromboembolism/diagnosis , Thromboembolism/epidemiology , Thromboembolism/virology , Thrombosis/diagnosis , Thrombosis/epidemiology , Thrombosis/virologyABSTRACT
Available animal and cell line models have suggested that specific therapeutics might be effective in treating Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We conducted a systematic review of evidence for treatment with pharmacologic and supportive therapies. We developed a protocol and searched 5 databases for studies describing treatment of MERS and deaths in MERS patients. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by using ROBINS-I tool. We retrieved 3,660 unique citations; 20 observational studies met eligibility, and we studied 13 therapies. Most studies were at serious or critical RoB; no studies were at low RoB. One study, at moderate RoB, showed reduced mortality rates in severe MERS patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; no other studies showed a significant lifesaving benefit to any treatment. The existing literature on treatments for MERS is observational and at moderate to critical RoB. Clinical trials are needed to guide treatment decisions.