Epidemiology of Venous Thromboembolism in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Early reports from China and Europe indicated that incidence of venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients may be high. In this meta-analysis of observational studies was designed to know worldwide prevalence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients. Primary outcome of our review was to assess the proportion of patients with VTE. Secondary outcomes were to assess the proportion of patients’ with DVT and proportion of patients with PE. Random effect meta-analysis model with restricted maximum likelihood estimator was used for all analysis. Pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and heterogeneity (I²) was reported for all outcomes. Data of 5426 patients from n=19 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Incidence of VTE (95% CI), PE (95% CI) and DVT (95% CI) was 23 (10-36) %, 12 (6-17) % and 15 (8-23) %. We have found a high but incidence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients. Further well-designed studies are required in this area to identify true incidence and risk factors of it.

Key Messages

• This meta-analysis of observational studies was designed to know worldwide prevalence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients.

• Data of more than 5000 patients from 19 observational studies were analyzed in this meta-analysis.

• Incidence of venous thromboembolism may be as high as 36% in these patients.