What is it about?
It has been over 2 years since the first outbreak of novel coronavirus (also known as ‘SARS-CoV-2’) infections that resulted in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although several published studies have since focused on the clinical features and treatment options for patients detected with COVID-19, research on SARS-CoV-2-related blood clotting is scarce. To this end, a research team endeavored to clinically describe the blood coagulation function of patients with mild or severe forms of COVID-19. They collected blood samples from 94 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and those of 40 healthy volunteers. Clinical analyses revealed decreased antithrombin levels in patients with COVID-19, accompanied by a substantial increase in the blood levels of D-dimer, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and fibrinogen (a condition favouring blood clotting). This increase was more pronounced in patients with severe than with mild SARS-CoV-2 infections. The researchers also noted a lower prothrombin time activity in infected patients and a shorter thrombin time in patients with critical infections.
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Why is it important?
Collectively, the clinical data gleaned from this study indicate a higher risk of ‘disseminated intravascular coagulation’ or blood clotting in patients with COVID-19 infections. This suggests that routine hemostasis tests may help in the early diagnosis of the diseases and prediction of its progression. KEY TAKEAWAY The process of blood coagulation gets dysregulated in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections. This derangement makes them vulnerable to the development of blood clots throughout their blood vessels. Routine hematologic tests monitoring blood coagulation and levels of D-dimer and FDP may be suitable clinical biomarkers for the early identification of severe forms of COVID-19 infections and help to reduce disease severity.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Prominent changes in blood coagulation of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), March 2020, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0188.
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Resources
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