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Overview of the Haematological Effects of COVID-19 Infection
T M Wiggill1, E S Mayne2, J L Vaughan3
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa. tracey.wiggill@nhls.ac.za.
Insights
COVID-19, initially seen as a respiratory illness, is now understood to affect multiple body systems. This review details the significant haematological (blood-related) disturbances associated with this global pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, rapidly became a global pandemic.
- Initially characterized as a respiratory illness, COVID-19 is now recognized as a multisystem disease.
- Significant haematological and immunological abnormalities are increasingly reported in COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current scientific understanding of the haematological effects of COVID-19.
- To consolidate knowledge on blood-related disturbances in patients with COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on COVID-19 and haematological parameters.
- Synthesis of data on blood cell counts, coagulation, and other haematological markers.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 is associated with a wide range of haematological changes, including lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Thromboembolic events and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are significant complications.
- Alterations in red blood cells and platelet counts have also been observed.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 profoundly impacts the haematological system.
- Understanding these haematological disturbances is crucial for patient management and predicting outcomes.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind these effects.
Abstract:
From its early origins, COVID-19 has spread extensively and was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March of 2020. Although initially thought to be predominantly a respiratory infection, more recent evidence points to a multisystem systemic disease which is associated with numerous haematological and immunological disturbances in addition to its other effects. Here we review the current knowledge on the haematological effects of COVID-19.
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