Late diagnosis of COVID-19 in a 34-year-old man in a hypercoagulable state: A case report

Abstract

Background Late diagnosis of COVID-19 in young patients in a hypercoagulable state can cause a high mortality rate. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 include respiratory and extrapulmonary symptoms such as a hypercoagulable state, increased transaminase enzymes, and multiple-organ failure. Case and outcomes A 34-year-old male presented to the emergency room after 3 days of high fever, weakness, and flatulence. The patient had thrombocytopenia and elevated liver transaminase enzymes and was initially diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever. He was given hydration intravenous fluids, oxygen, antipyretic, and hepatoprotector. On day 4, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 and received therapy to decrease the Alanine transaminase and Aspartate transaminase levels. While waiting for outsourced D dimer and prothrombin time results, the patient was given low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on day 5. On day 13, his condition deteriorated with cephalgia and shortness of breath, but the patient’s family refused intubation. The chest CT scan revealed large ground-glass opacities in both lungs. The patient was given additional medications, such as Meropenem, Dexamethasone, and Remdesivir. On day 15, the patient passed away. Discussion Intermediate LMWH dosage seems to be associated with a lower mortality incidence than standard Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, due to the late COVID-19 diagnosis, the patient was not given LMWH at the beginning of treatment. Conclusion A hypercoagulable state is partly responsible for the high mortality rate of COVID-19 patients. Early detection and management of the hypercoagulable state, including the use of LMWH, can decrease the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.