Vascular thromboembolic events following COVID-19 hospital discharge: Incidence and risk factors

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with high rates of thromboembolic events in hospitalized patients. It remains to be determined if this risk persists following hospital discharge. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of outpatients recently hospitalized for COVID-19 to determine the incidence of vascular thromboembolic events within 30 days of discharge. We investigated the risk factors associated with these events, including intensive care admission, age, and anticoagulation. Results: Among 447 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 2.0% experienced a vascular thromboembolic event within 30 days of discharge. No risk factor variable was significantly associated with an increased risk for these events. Conclusions: The incidence of vascular thromboembolic events following hospital discharge for COVID-19 is low. These findings suggest against the routine use of postdischarge thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19.