Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2021 Apr 9. doi: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1915129. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, attacks the immune system causing an exaggerated and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokine storm). Recent studies propose an active role of coagulation disorders in disease progression. This hypercoagulability has been displayed by marked increase in D-dimer in hospitalised patients.
AREAS COVERED: This review summarises the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, generation of cytokine storm, the interdependence between inflammation and coagulation, its consequences and the possible management options for coagulation complications like venous thromboembolism (VTE), microthrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and systemic and local coagulopathy. We searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar for relevant reports using COVID-19, cytokine storm, and coagulation as keywords.
EXPERT OPINION: A prophylactic dose of 5000 - 7500 units of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been recommended for hospitalised COVID-19 patients in order to prevent VTE. Treatment dose of LMWH, based on disease severity, is being contemplated for patients showing a marked rise in levels of D-dimer due to possible pulmonary thrombi. Additionally, targeting PAR-1, thrombin, coagulation factor Xa and the complement system may be potentially useful in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection induced lung injury, microvascular thrombosis, VTE and related outcomes like DIC and multi-organ failure.
PMID:33832398 | DOI:10.1080/14787210.2021.1915129