Antiplatelet therapy and outcome in COVID-19: the Health Outcome Predictive Evaluation Registry

Abstract

Background: Standard therapy for COVID-19 is continuously evolving. Autopsy studies showed high prevalence of platelet-fibrin-rich microthrombi in several organs. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antiplatelet therapy (APT) in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and its impact on survival.

Methods: 7824 consecutive patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in a multicentre international prospective registry (Health Outcome Predictive Evaluation-COVID-19 Registry). Clinical data and in-hospital complications were recorded. Data on APT, including aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, were obtained for each patient.

Results: During hospitalisation, 730 (9%) patients received single APT (93%, n=680) or dual APT (7%, n=50). Patients treated with APT were older (74±12 years vs 63±17 years, p<0.01), more frequently male (68% vs 57%, p<0.01) and had higher prevalence of diabetes (39% vs 16%, p<0.01). Patients treated with APT showed no differences in terms of in-hospital mortality (18% vs 19%, p=0.64), need for invasive ventilation (8.7% vs 8.5%, p=0.88), embolic events (2.9% vs 2.5% p=0.34) and bleeding (2.1% vs 2.4%, p=0.43), but had shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (8±5 days vs 11±7 days, p=0.01); however, when comparing patients with APT versus no APT and no anticoagulation therapy, APT was associated with lower mortality rates (log-rank p<0.01, relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.94). On multivariable analysis, in-hospital APT was associated with lower mortality risk (relative risk 0.39, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.48, p<0.01).

Conclusions: APT during hospitalisation for COVID-19 could be associated with lower mortality risk and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, without increased risk of bleeding.

Trial registration number: NCT04334291.

Keywords: COVID-19; clinical; pharmacology.

Figure 1

Study flow chart: patients on APT during COVID-19 hospitalisation. APT, antiplatelet therapy; HOPE, Health Outcome Predictive Evaluation; pts, patients.

Figure 2

Survival curves according to in-hospital antiplatelet therapy (log-rank p<0.01, relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.94).

Figure 3

Kaplan-Meier survival curves: patients treated with and without dual and single antiplatelet therapy (log-rank p=n.s.). APT, antiplatelet therapy; DAPT, dual APT; SAPT, single APT.