ABSTRACT
Thromboembolism is a major cause of death in patients who suffer from COVID-19. Studies examining the effects of aspirin (ASA) on mortality relating to this phenomenon have showed conflicting results with varying degrees and certainties of evidence. We performed an aggregate data meta-analysis of fourteen studies encompassing 164,539 COVID-19 patients, which showed a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality associated with ASA use in eight studies that reported risk ratios (RR 0.90; 95 % CI 0.82-0.98; I2 = 27.33 %, P = 0.01), six studies that reported hazard ratios (HR 0.56; 95 % CI 0.41-0.76, P ≤ 0.01; I2 = 85.92 %) and pooled effect size (0.71; 95 % CI 0.59-0.85, P = 0.00, I2 = 91.51 %). The objective of this study is to report the association between low dose ASA and a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Acute aortic dissection is one of the most lethal diseases, affecting the lining of the aortic wall. We describe a case of Stanford Type A aortic dissection in a patient with underlying primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) complicated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). APS is characterized by recurrent venous and/or arterial thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and rarely vascular aneurysms. The hypercoagulable milieu attributable to APS and the prothrombotic state from COVID-19 posed a challenge in achieving optimal postoperative anticoagulation in our patient.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To identify and address the challenges associated with the care of ACS patients during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable global impact with over 2.0 million deaths worldwide so far. There has been considerable evidence suggesting that COVID-19 increases the risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We propose characterizing ACS patients into 3 distinct categories to better assist in appropriate triage and management: critically ill patients, non-critically ill ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, and non-critically ill non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)/unstable angina (UA) patients. We thoroughly review treatments strategies, management considerations, and current consensus statements for the care of COVID-19 patients with ACS. As we continue to gain more experience with management of COVID-19 in ACS patients and as health-care workers and patients continue to get vaccinated, we must continue to adapt our strategies to treat this high-risk group of patients.