Belgian clinical guidance on anticoagulation management in hospitalised and ambulatory patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 predisposes patients to thrombotic disease. The aim of this guidance document is to provide Belgian health-care workers with recommendations on anticoagulation management in COVID-19 positive patients.

Methods: These recommendations were based on current knowledge and a limited level of evidence.

Results: We formulated recommendations for the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-related venous thromboembolism in ambulatory and hospitalised patients, as well as recommendations for the use of antithrombotic drugs in patients with prior indication for anticoagulation who develop COVID-19.

Conclusions: These recommendations represent an easy-to-use practical guidance that can be implemented in every Belgian hospital and be used by primary care physicians and gynaecologists. Of note, they are likely to evolve with increased knowledge of the disease and availability of data from ongoing clinical trials.

Keywords: COVID-19; Practice guideline; primary health care.