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. 2021 Apr;42(4):1527-1530.
doi: 10.1007/s10072-020-04887-4. Epub 2020 Nov 13.

Low molecular weight heparin in COVID-19 patients prevents delirium and shortens hospitalization

Damiano D'Ardes  1 , Claudia Carrarini  2 , Mirella Russo  2 , Fedele Dono  2 , Rino Speranza  2 , Anna Digiovanni  2 , Giovanni Martinotti  2 , Angelo Di Iorio  1 , Marco Onofrj  2 , Francesco Cipollone  1 , Laura Bonanni  3
Affiliations

Low molecular weight heparin in COVID-19 patients prevents delirium and shortens hospitalization

Damiano D'Ardes et al. Neurol Sci. 2021 Apr.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 patients present with delirium during their hospitalization.

Aims: To assess the incidence of delirium in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and analyze the possible association with demographic, clinical, laboratory, and pharmacological factors.

Methods: COVID-19 patients were assessed for clinical signs of delirium and administered the assessment test for delirium and cognitive impairment (4AT) and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) scales.

Results: Out of the 56 patients of our cohort, 14 (25.0%) experienced delirium. The use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (enoxaparin 1 mg/kg/daily) was less frequent in patients with delirium (p = 0.004) and was accompanied by lower C reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.006).

Discussion: The use of LMWH was associated with absence of delirium, independently of comorbidities and age.

Conclusions: The use of LMWH may help preventing the occurrence of delirium in COVID-19 patients, with possible reduction of length of stay in the hospital and sequelae.

Keywords: C reactive protein; COVID-19; Delirium; Low molecular weight heparin.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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