Does a National Lockdown Affect the Characteristics of Deep Vein Thromboses in Patients in the Community?

ABSTRACT

Aim: Has lockdown and COVID-19 led to a change into the characteristics of DVT's and patients who have them alongside a review of the DVT service. Method: Data was collected retrospectively from electronic patient records system for the following periods 1st April until 30th June 2019 and 1st April until 30th June 2020. These were the key months during the first United Kingdom national lockdown. Data was analysed for patient demographics, risk factors, characteristics of the DVT, management and DVT reoccurrence. Statistical analyses were preformed using GraphPad Prism 8. Results: 227 patients sustained community DVT's in 2019 and 211 patients in 2020 during the study period. 13 of these patients in 2020 were COVID-19 positive. There was a difference in gender distribution (p= 0.0128) with 128 males and 99 females in 2019, 93 males and 118 females in 2020. No significant difference was noted for the incidence of thrombophilia with 9 in 2019 and 3 in 2020 (p=0.1437). Fewer long-haul journeys were made (p=0.012) with 16 in 2019 and only 2 in 2020. Fewer patients had immobility as a risk factor with 79 in 2019 and 55 in 2020 (p=0.0494). However, there were more patients using the contraceptive pill (p=0.0086) with 1 in 2019 and 9 in 2020. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the characteristics, extent, and management of DVT's prior to and during Lockdown during COVID-19. National Lockdowns do not affect community DVT's however it is important to highlight the surrounding inpatient numbers.