Study limitations
The present preliminary observational study had some major limitations. The first was the small number of patients included. Second, the period of inclusion and observation were short. Third, we lacked robust data on the coagulation parameters to evaluate the eventual persistent status of hypercoagulability. Finally, the significantly higher number of patients treated for ALI might reflect the increased number of patients we have been treating since the start of this infective emergency and the suggested surgical priorities indicated by governmental disposition.