A new study finds that survivors covid-19 risk of blood clots several months after infection.
Research published in British Journal of Medicine (BMJ) found that the risk of potentially severe consequences from Covid-19 could remain high for months.
Swedish researchers analyzed national registry data from more than a million people to find that the increased risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs can last up to six months after developing an infection.
Data show a fivefold increase in the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs), a double risk of bleeding, and a 33-fold increase in the risk of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), with the highest risk in patients with pre-existing conditions.
The results also showed this risk was significantly increased for 70 days after infection for deep vein thrombosis, 110 days for pulmonary embolism, and the risk of bleeding was increased for two months in co-blood clotting survivors.
The results suggest “that the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism persists for at least six months after initial infection,” said Richard Becker, professor and director, UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, and UC Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease at UC College of Medicine, quoted from Healthline.
The risk of freezing is greatest during the first wave of the pandemic compared to the second and third waves and in those with more severe disease.
Researchers say this may be explained by vaccine coverage and improvements in treatment for older patients after the first batch.
Even among non-hospitalized patients with milder symptoms, the investigators found an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. However, no increased risk of bleeding was found in mild cases.
“Severity of infection and risk profiles among Covid-19 survivors help identify people who are most likely to develop venous thromboembolism after discharge from hospital,” Becker said.
They noted that the elderly, who had a higher risk of clotting, were initially prioritized for vaccination.
The research highlights the potentially life-threatening complications for people with COVID-19 which Kadian-Dodov called “deeply worrying.”
“Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) most commonly occurs in the lower extremities and may present with swelling, pain, or discoloration,” says Kadian-Dodov.
According to Kadian-Dodov, the main risk of DVT is pulmonary embolism (PE), which is when a piece of DVT breaks off and travels to the lungs.
“This can put great stress on the heart and be life-threatening,” he warns.
Kadian-Dodov explains that treatment with blood-thinning drugs can stop the clotting process and allow the body to break up clots. In some cases, evidence of a blood clot is not completely lost and is seen in imaging studies years after the initial occurrence of a Covid survivor experiencing blood clots.
(chs)
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