A recent study has shed light on the alarming rate of pulmonary embolism (PE) among COVID-19 patients, resulting in severe hospital outcomes. The research, conducted by a team of healthcare professionals at Florida International University, highlights the need for aggressive measures to mitigate the risk of mortality and adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Key Takeaways:

• The study analyzed data from 94,114 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and found that 1.9% of patients developed PE.
• Patients who were male, had coagulation disorders or liver disease, or had a greater comorbidity burden were more likely to develop PE.
• Patients with both COVID-19 and PE had significantly higher odds for hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission.
• The study concludes that patients with COVID-19 and PE require aggressive measures to limit the development of adverse outcomes.
• The authors recommend future research to assess the efficacy of anti-coagulant treatment protocols in reducing the risk of mortality.
• The study highlights the need for timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of PE in COVID-19 patients to prevent severe outcomes.

(Pancreatic disease expert) Ashwani Sood

Anshul Saxena's research on COVID-19 and PE has crucial implications for public health policy.

Akash Nijhawan, Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, comments on the study.

Statistics:

• 1.9% of COVID-19 patients developed pulmonary embolism (PE) in the study.
• Patients with COVID-19 and PE had 1.94 times higher odds for hospital mortality.
• The odds of hospital mortality for patients with COVID-19 and PE were between 94% and 126% higher compared to those without PE.
• Vasopressor use was 2.19 times more likely in patients with COVID-19 and PE.
• Mechanical ventilation was 1.98 times more likely in patients with COVID-19 and PE.

Sources:

• Prevalence and effects of pulmonary embolism on hospital outcomes among COVID-19 patients. BMC Research Notes, 2025,18(1):1-7.
• Florida International University, Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
• NewsRx LLC (October 26, 2025) New COVID-19 Study Findings Have Been Published by Researchers at Florida International University (Prevalence and effects of pulmonary embolism on hospital outcomes among COVID-19 patients). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. October 26, 2025; p 327.