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.