COVID-19 infection and thrombosis

Swati Srivastava1, Iti Garg1, Anju Bansal1

  • 1Genomics Group, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Science, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi 110054, India.

Insights

COVID-19 infection can cause dangerous blood clots due to inflammation and coagulation issues. Monitoring clotting factors and using anticoagulants can help prevent and treat thrombosis in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is linked to abnormal blood clot formation.
  • Viral infection triggers inflammation, endothelial damage, and coagulation cascade dysfunction.
  • This can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and coagulopathy, increasing thrombosis risk.

Discussion:

  • This report synthesizes research on COVID-19-associated thrombosis and therapeutic strategies.
  • It reviews studies on coagulopathy, elevated D-dimer, fibrinogen, and altered coagulation parameters (PT, PTT, platelets).
  • Clinical implications for managing COVID-19 patients with clotting complications are discussed.

Key Insights:

  • COVID-19 patients exhibit elevated D-dimer, FDP, and abnormal coagulation parameters.
  • Thrombosis and coagulopathy are significant complications, potentially leading to mortality.
  • Early screening of coagulation parameters is crucial for risk assessment.

Outlook:

  • Clinicians should exercise caution when treating COVID-19 patients.
  • Regular monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended throughout treatment.
  • Anticoagulant therapy serves as a thromboprophylaxis measure, requiring individualized dosing and duration.
Abstract

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