Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 21, 2024 4 hours, 57 minutes ago
Medical News: A groundbreaking study led by researchers from institutions such as the University of Cambridge-UK, Swansea University-UK, and the University of Edinburgh-UK reveals that hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, or pneumonia significantly elevate the risk of both arterial and venous blood clots. This research analyzed data from a cohort of 2.6 million adults in Wales. The study sheds light on how infections contribute to cardiovascular risks. This
Medical News report highlights the findings that could shape preventive healthcare strategies for millions.
Risks of Blood Clots After Severe Respiratory Infections Unveiled
Blood Clots and Hospitalization Risks
Hospitalization for severe infections has been associated with increased risks of both arterial (e.g., strokes, heart attacks) and venous thrombosis (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Researchers conducted the study using anonymized health records from the Secure Anonymized Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. They compared the risks between those hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020–2021 and those hospitalized for influenza or pneumonia in 2016–2019.
This study emphasizes that individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 showed higher immediate and prolonged risks of blood clots compared to influenza or pneumonia patients.
Key Findings
Arterial Thrombosis Risks:
-COVID-19 Hospitalizations:
Day 1–7: Patients had a 3.8 times higher risk compared to baseline.
Week 2–4: Risk peaked at 5.24 times.
Week 5–16: Risk dropped to 2.12 times.
Week 17–75: Risk settled at 1.6 times baseline.
-Influenza and Pneumonia Hospitalizations:
Day 1–7: Risk was 5.42 times higher than baseline.
Week 2–4: Risk remained elevated at 3.87 times.
Week 5–16: Risk decreased to 1.96 times.
Week 17–75: Risk reduced to 1.41 times baseline.
Venous Thrombosis Risks:
-COVID-19 Hospitalizations:
Day 1–7: Patients faced a 7.47 times higher risk.
Week 2–4: Risk surged to 22.6 times baseline.
Week 5–16: Risk remained elevated at 6.58 times.
Week 17–75: Risk declined to 2.25 times baseline.
-Influenza and Pneumonia Hospitalizations:
Day 1–7: Risk was 15.1 times higher.
Week 2–4: Patients had an 11.8 times higher risk.
Week 5–16: Risk decreased to 5.8 times.
Week 17–75: Risk dropped to 1.89 times baseline.
Age-Related Risk Variations
The research found the most pronounced risks among indiv
iduals aged 60 and above:
-COVID-19 hospitalizations led to an estimated 2,700 additional arterial thromboses per 100,000 patients within 75 weeks.
-For influenza and pneumonia, the corresponding number was 2,320 events.
Venous thrombosis followed a similar trend, with 1,270 excess cases for COVID-19 and 840 for pneumonia/influenza.
Why These Findings Matter
These results stress the necessity for targeted preventive measures, particularly for high-risk groups. Severe infections, such as COVID-19, pneumonia, and influenza, trigger inflammatory responses that may lead to what experts term "immunothrombosis," where the body’s attempt to fight infection inadvertently promotes clotting.
This discovery underscores the value of managing cardiovascular risk factors during and after hospitalization for severe infections.
Implications for Healthcare
-Preventive Measures:
Improved cardiovascular care for patients hospitalized with infections.
-Anticoagulant Use:
Prophylactic use of anticoagulants in hospitalized patients could mitigate clotting risks.
-Public Awareness:
Highlighting the risks of infections on long-term cardiovascular health could encourage proactive health measures among vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
Hospitalization for COVID-19 or pneumonia/influenza markedly increases the risk of blood clots, persisting long after discharge. This study provides valuable insights into the inflammatory and thrombotic responses triggered by infections, paving the way for better prevention and treatment strategies.
Effective tailored cardiovascular care during and post-hospitalization are crucial in addressing these risks. Understanding these associations not only enhances patient outcomes but also informs public health policy.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Thrombosis
Research.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049384824003451
For the latest on thrombosis issues after respiratory infections, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-can-cause-cervical-arterial-dissections-or-tears-in-the-wall-of-the-large-blood-vessel-in-the-neck
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-s-mpro-protein-promotes-blood-clotting-by-activating-key-coagulation-factors
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/german-scientists-uncover-how-sars-cov-2-s-spike-protein-influences-blood-clotting-and-immune-response
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