Evaluation of coagulation with TEG in patients diagnosed COVID-19

Background and aim: A high D-dimer level may indicate the risk of coagulopathy and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Thromboelastography (TEG) is a test that evaluates clot formation and fibrinolysis in real-time, unlike routine coagulation tests. The study aimed to investigate the coagulation process with TEG in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The study was performed at our university hospital, chest diseases outpatient clinic as a cross-section study. A total of 51 patients with 23 high D-dimer levels group (HDG) and 28 low D-dimers group (LDG) were included in the study. TEG analysis was performed at the pretreatment evaluation in these two groups. Results: D-dimer and fibrinogen levels of the HDG were higher than those of the LDG (550 vs. 90 ng/mL, p < 0.001; 521 vs. 269 mg/ dL, p < 0.001, respectively). In TEG analysis, HDG's R and K values were lower than LDG, and HDG's Angle, MA, and CI values were higher than LDG (p = 0.037; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum TEG parameters cut-off points for thrombosis risk were as below: for K was <_2.1 min, for R was <_6.1 min, for Angle was >62 degrees, MA was 60.4 mm. Conclusion: Our study showed that the risk of thrombosis might increase in COVID-19 patients who are not hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Thrombosis risk should be investigated with TEG analysis and laboratory tests in every patient diagnosed with COVID-19, and treatment should be started for risky patients.

Automated summary

Based on TEG analysis, the study found that COVID-19 patients not hospitalized in the intensive care unit may have an increased risk of thrombosis. It is recommended to investigate thrombosis risk with TEG analysis and laboratory tests in every diagnosed patient to start treatment for those at risk.