COVID-19 infection increases risk of blood clots during surgery, says study

The study, published in Anaesthesia, reveals that venous thromboembolism (VTEs) are 50 per cent more likely to occur in patients with current COVID-19 infection while those with recent infection are almost twice at risk.

London: Recent or current COVID-19 infection can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots during surgery, finds a study. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) -- a combination of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism -- is a condition in which blood clots form in the veins and has been described as the number one preventable cause of death in hospitalised patients. The study, published in Anaesthesia, showed that VTEs are 50 per cent more likely to occur in patients with current COVID-19 infection while those with recent infection are almost twice at risk. Having a VTE was associated with a five-times increased risk of death within 30 days following surgery compared with patients with no VTE, said researchers from the University of Birmingham.