COVID-19 and Hematology-What Do We Know So Far?

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Virology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant global health concern.
• COVID-19 presents with a high transmission rate and can cause diverse systemic diseases.
• Hematological abnormalities and virus-related coagulopathies are frequently observed in COVID-19 patients, increasing risks of thrombotic complications and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for COVID-19.
• To analyze published reports on SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated coagulopathy.
• To present hematological manifestations, focusing on virus-associated coagulopathy, pathophysiology, clinical outcomes, and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of published reports on patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Analysis of coagulopathy defined by abnormalities in coagulation parameters (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer).
• Focus on hematological manifestations and virus-associated coagulopathy.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 is associated with a wide spectrum of hematological abnormalities.
• Virus-related coagulopathy increases the risk of severe thrombotic complications like pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction.
• Abnormalities in PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer are key indicators of coagulopathy in COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 poses significant risks due to associated coagulopathy.
• Understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19-related coagulopathy is crucial for effective management.
• Further research into treatment options for COVID-19 and its hematological complications is warranted.