Dubovský M, Hajská M, Panyko A, Vician M. Severe Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage in a COVID-19 Patient on a Therapeutic Dose of Low Molecular Weight Heparin: A Case Report.
Cureus 2022;
14:e26275. [PMID:
35898364 PMCID:
PMC9308901 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.26275]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive drug treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) includes low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). At therapeutic doses of LMWH, there is an increased risk of bleeding complications. Spontaneous, non-traumatic bleeding into the retroperitoneum is a life-threatening condition that can progress very rapidly. We describe a complication of COVID-19 bronchopneumonia treatment in which a patient developed a shock condition caused by non-traumatic bleeding into the retroperitoneum and abdominal wall due to LMWH overdose. The patient was operated on under difficult conditions - in biosafety level 3 (BSL-3). This case is exceptionally fascinating and informative. Nowadays, it is essential to point out possible complications associated with the treatment of COVID-19. Based on this report, we emphasize the need for careful LMWH dosing and quick and accurate diagnosis. Surgeons should maintain a higher index of suspicion for spontaneous bleeding in non-specific abdominal pain patients with COVID-19 or patients receiving therapeutic doses of LMWH.
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