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Thrombocytopenia in COVID-19: Focused Summary of Current Understanding of Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Suvir Singh1, Rintu Sharma1, Jagdeep Singh2

  • 1Departments of Clinical Hematology.

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|September 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Thrombocytopenia, a common complication in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), is linked to worse outcomes. Understanding its unique mechanisms may reveal new therapeutic targets for this viral illness.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) occurs in 5-41% of COVID-19 patients.
  • This condition is associated with more severe disease and poorer outcomes.
  • COVID-19-related thrombocytopenia has unique causes and clinical features compared to other viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of thrombocytopenia pathogenesis in COVID-19.
  • To explore the specific mechanisms driving low platelet counts in coronavirus disease-2019.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Focused literature review of existing studies on COVID-19 and thrombocytopenia.
  • Analysis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of clinical observations and experimental findings.

Main Results:

  • Platelets play a dual role in severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, acting as both targets and defense mechanisms.
  • COVID-19 thrombocytopenia involves unique mechanisms distinct from other viral syndromes.
  • Pathogenesis is intertwined with prothrombotic (thrombophilic) processes, influencing disease severity.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the specific mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in COVID-19 is crucial.
  • Targeting these unique platelet-related pathways could offer novel therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research into platelet function and COVID-19 is warranted for improved patient management.

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