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Prolonged platelet hyperactivity after COVID-19 infection.
Noriko Nara1, Mie Shimizu1, Masahiro Yamamoto1
1Department of Neurology, Yokohama Brain and Spine Center, Yokohama, Japan.
British Journal of Haematology
|October 12, 2023
Summary
Platelet hyperactivity, a common issue in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), persists for at least 40 days post-hospitalization. This prolonged platelet activation may increase the risk of blood clots in COVID-19 survivors.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Platelet hyperactivity is frequently observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The duration of platelet hyperactivity following the acute phase of COVID-19 is not well understood due to limited follow-up data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal course of platelet hyperactivity in patients after COVID-19 hospitalization.
- To determine if platelet hyperactivity persists beyond the acute inflammatory phase of COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Serial measurements of platelet activity were conducted in COVID-19 patients up to 40 days post-admission.
- Platelet activity was assessed using a hematology analyzer that quantifies platelet clumps on a scattergram.
Main Results:
- Platelet hyperactivity was observed to persist for at least 40 days after hospital admission in most COVID-19 patients.
- This persistence of platelet hyperactivity was noted irrespective of the initial disease severity.
- Hyperactivity was evident even after the subsidence of acute inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Platelet hyperactivity can be a long-lasting condition in the aftermath of COVID-19.
- Persistent platelet hyperactivity may represent a significant risk factor for thromboembolic events in post-COVID-19 patients.
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