FROM ISTH2020: WTD Steering Committee Chair Explains New Blood Clotting Phenomenon In Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
July 12th, 2020
According to new studies, most patients hospitalized because they have COVID-19 pneumonia have an unusual pattern of lab test abnormalities that have not been seen with prior infections. The abnormalities include elevated blood biomarkers for substances that signify high levels of inflammation and clotting activity called “thrombo-inflammation.” Patients with a high levels of thrombo-inflammation have the highest risk of death from COVID-19.
“In patients with high levels of thrombo-inflammation, we believe that tiny clots forming in the inflamed lungs may contribute to respiratory failure and the need for intensive care and ventilator use,” said co-author Prof. Levi, Consultant Physician at University College London Hospitals in London.
Prof. Hunt, Consultant at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals in London, continued, “What is particularly interesting is that the use of blood thinning medications improved survival in those with thrombo-inflammation.”
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To learn more about this research, view the new RPTH illustrated review article, "Thrombosis and Coagulopathy in COVID-19: an Illustrated Review."To learn more about RPTH, the official open-access publication of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), visit rpth.isth.org.