Screening for Deep Vein Thrombosis in Persons With COVID-19 Upon Admission to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of deep venous thrombosis detected by duplex screening and risk factors associated with deep venous thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 upon admission to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. DESIGN:This is a retrospective review. SETTING:The setting is three freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospitals operating as one system. PARTICIPANTS:The participants are consecutive patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital without a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis or screening duplex ultrasound prior to transfer. INTERVENTIONS:A duplex ultrasound of lower limbs was performed upon admission to inpatient rehabilitation hospital. OUTCOME MEASURES:Primary outcome was the percentage of admission patients with a lower limb deep venous thrombosis. Secondary factors included potential risk factors for a positive screen for deep venous thrombosis. RESULTS:A lower limb deep venous thrombosis was diagnosed in 22% (25/113) of the patients tested, with eight patients (7.1%) having a proximal deep venous thrombosis. Risk factors for screening positive for a deep venous thrombosis included being male, younger, and having been on a ventilator during the acute illness. CONCLUSIONS:The high rate of deep venous thrombosis observed in these patients suggests that the risk of venous thromboembolic disorders after severe COVID-19 illness is considerable and surveillance measures of such patients should be undertaken.