Caging the dragon: translational approach to unravel and prevent COVID-19 associated thrombosis

Project description In COVID-19 patients, the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE), such as leg thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, is remarkably high, up to 48% in the ICU. The presence of VTE causes more serious illnesses and an increased number of deaths. In addition, VTE occurs despite preventive treatment with blood thinners (heparin). This may indicate heparin resistance or the possibility that heparin treatment is not the (only) solution. In order to find the best possible treatment for COVID-19 patients, the disease process and risk factors must be understood, as well as the safety and efficacy of the currently prescribed thrombosis prophylaxis and treatment. Research The study will study the exact magnitude of the number of VTE cases in the Netherlands and the effect of preventive treatment with heparin, identify risk factors and predict which factors contribute to this. Laboratory research also provides insight into the development of VTE. To distinguish whether VTE in COVID-19 patients is the result of a direct effect of the virus or indirectly via the immune system, a combination of clinical cohort studies with in-depth in vivo and in vitro studies is performed. To predict the risk of VTE in admitted COVID-19 patients, patient data is collected and VTE patients are identified. Dynamic prediction models are developed and individual VTE risks are estimated. The project is carried out by the consortium Dutch COVID & Thrombosis Coalition. All UMCs and Sanquin participate in this. In addition, there is collaboration with several general hospitals. The research is partly funded by the Trombose Foundation Netherlands.