Hematological changes in patients with COVID‑19 (Review)

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology
• Virology

Background:

• The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome‑CoV‑2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 led to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Patients with COVID-19 exhibit respiratory symptoms and significant hematological alterations, including lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders.
• The precise mechanisms driving these hematological changes in COVID-19 remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the pathogenesis of COVID-19, with a specific focus on the underlying mechanisms of observed hematological abnormalities.
• To provide insights that can contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
• To improve the prognostic assessment and clinical management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review and analysis of existing literature on COVID-19 pathogenesis and hematological manifestations.
• Key hematological parameters such as lymphocyte counts, platelet levels, and coagulation profiles were examined in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Pathophysiological pathways linking viral infection to hematological dysfunction were investigated.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 is associated with a spectrum of hematological changes, including significant lymphopenia and varying degrees of thrombocytopenia.
• Coagulation abnormalities, such as an increased risk of thrombosis, are frequently observed in severe COVID-19 cases.
• Evidence suggests that cytokine storm and direct viral effects on hematopoietic cells may contribute to these hematological alterations.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19, particularly its hematological manifestations, is critical for effective clinical management.
• Further research into the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced hematological changes may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
• Addressing hematological complications is essential for improving patient prognosis and reducing mortality in COVID-19.