RESEARCHERS are calling for trials to be held to see if blood thinners can prevent coronavirus deaths.

A Brighton and Sussex Medical School study found an infection caused by coronavirus has a “high incidence” of patients developing venous thromboembolism.

This causes blood clots to form in a patients’ leg, groin, or arm veins before travelling to the lungs and potentially blocking an artery.

Of 274 coronavirus patients admitted to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, 21 were diagnosed with the condition. Blood clots in the lungs were found in 16 of those cases.

Study author Dr Chi Ezefuela said clinical trials should now be held to see if blood thinners, which prevent clots, could help in preventing deaths from coronavirus.

The Argus: Researchers found a significant number of coronavirus patients admitted to Sussex hospitals had blood clots in their lungsResearchers found a significant number of coronavirus patients admitted to Sussex hospitals had blood clots in their lungs

“Identifying which patients have a risk of, and clinical evidence of, a venous thromboembolism in Covid-19 is highly important for two reasons,” he said.

“Firstly, because venous thromboembolism is linked to a risk of death, and secondly because it is treatable with anticoagulant medications.”

Fellow author Dr Tim Chevassut said there was an “urgent need” for trials to be carried out.

“This study signals the importance of further research to explore the pathological mechanisms specific to Covid-19.

“It also highlights the urgent need for clinical trials to evaluate the role of anticoagulation treatment.”

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