Evaluation of coagulation function by rotation thromboelastometry in critically ill patients with severe Covid-19 Pneumonia

ABSTRACT

Background-aim: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia suffered both high thrombotic and bleeding risk. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on coagulation and fibrinolysis is not well known. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including 84 patients, during 16 months, divided into two groups patients with severe SARS-Cov-2 pneumonia (group 1, N=42) and patients with severe non-COVID-19 pneumonia (group 2, N=42). We evaluated coagulation standard parameters (hemoglobin, platelet count and conventional laboratory coagulation tests) in group 1 vs group 2 and coagulation standard parameters on day of admission (T0) and 10 (T10) days after admission to ICU and coagulation function using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in patients with severe SARS-Cov-2 pneumonia. Results: 84 patients were enrolled into the study. Similar results in conventional laboratory coagulation tests were detected in group 1 and group 2 prothrombin time (15.14s vs 14.76s, p=0.212), international normalized ratio (1.21 vs 1.19, p=0.112), activated partial thromboplastin time (32.17s vs 25.52s, p=0.06), fibrinogen level (6.15 mg/dl vs 3.39 mg/dl, p=0.208), hemoglobin (11.81 g/dl vs 11.20 g/dl, p=0.139) and platelet count (208.98x103/ul vs 288.74 x103/ul, p=0.123). However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the D-dimer count (2442.11 ng/ml vs 370 ng/ml, p=0.03). In addition, statistically significant increase in D-dimer count during Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (T0=2442.11 ng/ml vs T10=8564.39 ng/ml, p=0.000) in group 1 were detected. Finally, blood thromboelastometry profiles were consistent with hypercoagulability characterized by higher clot strength (MCF or maximum clot firmness close to upper limit in FIBTEM test, MCF median value= 25.9 mm). Clotting time presented normal results in INTEM (163.41 s) and EXTEM (68.74 s). No sign of secondary hyperfibrinolysis were found during the study period. In six patients a deep vein thrombosis and in six patients a thromboembolic event. Eighteen patients (43%) died during hospitalization due to coagulopathy produced by SARS-Cov-2 pneumonia. Conclusions: The results observed in our study support hypercoagulability in a severe inflammatory state, rather than a Consumption Coagulopathy (DIC) state. More studies are needed to better understanding of coagulopathy produced in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.