SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patient: from a Hematologist's Perspective

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• COVID-19, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), necessitates understanding its impact on patient hematology.
• Hematologic findings in SARS-CoV-2 infection are vital for predicting patient prognosis and optimizing care.
• Early identification of hematologic alterations aids in tailoring treatment strategies for COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the hematologic and hemostasis changes observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
• To highlight the clinical significance of hematologic parameters in assessing COVID-19 severity.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing literature on hematologic findings in COVID-19.
• Analysis of laboratory hematologic features, including differential blood cell counts and peripheral smears.
• Evaluation of key hematologic markers such as D-dimer, procalcitonin, and inflammatory cytokines.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 is frequently associated with specific laboratory hematologic features that impact clinical outcomes.
• Baseline hematologic data at diagnosis can predict disease severity, including the need for intensive care unit admission or development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Elevated levels of markers like D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and viral load correlate with severe COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions:

• Hematologic markers are fundamental for predicting prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
• Treatment strategies for severe COVID-19 often involve symptomatic care, oxygen support, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anticoagulation.
• The American Society of Hematology (ASH) recommends pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for all hospitalized COVID-19 patients.