COVID-19 coagulopathy: An in-depth analysis of the coagulation system.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal coagulation parameters have been reported in COVID-19-infected patients. Although the underlying mechanism of COVID-19 coagulopathy remains unknown, it has been suggested to be a form of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to analyze the coagulation parameters of patients with COVID-19, determine whether coagulation factors consumption occurs and identify potential prognostic biomarkers of the disease. PATIENTS/METHODS: Blood samples from hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were collected. We performed basic coagulation tests and quantification of coagulation factors and physiological inhibitor proteins. Laboratory data were compared with clinical data and outcomes. RESULTS: The study involved 206 patients (63.6% male). D-dimer was particularly elevated (median 450 ng/mL; IQR 222.5-957.3). Free protein S levels were below the normal range (median 56.6%; IQR: 43.6-68.9), and factor VIII showed an increasing trend (median 173.4%; IQR: 144.1-214.9). However, all coagulation factors were within normal limits. We found no correlation between abnormal coagulation parameters and thrombosis, except for higher D-dimer (HR 1.99; 95% CI 1.3-3.1; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is associated with coagulopathy that correlates with poor prognosis. However, we did not demonstrate a consumption of coagulation factors, as seen in DIC.

A mild deficiency of ADAMTS13 is associated with severity in COVID-19: comparison of the coagulation profile in critically and noncritically ill patients.

Early descriptions of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy identified it as a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, recent studies have highlighted the potential role of endothelial cell injury in its pathogenesis, and other possible underlying mechanisms are being explored. This study aimed to analyse the coagulation parameters of critically and noncritically ill patients with COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia, determine if coagulation factors consumption occurs and explore other potential mechanisms of COVID-19 coagulopathy. Critically and noncritically ill patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia were recruited. For each patient, we performed basic coagulation tests, quantification of coagulation factors and physiological inhibitor proteins, an evaluation of the fibrinolytic system and determination of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and ADAMTS13. Laboratory data were compared with clinical data and outcomes. The study involved 62 patients (31 ICU, 31 non-ICU). The coagulation parameters assessment demonstrated normal median prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in our cohort and all coagulation factors were within normal range. PAI-1 median levels were elevated (median 52.6 ng/ml; IQR 37.2-85.7), as well as vWF activity (median 216%; IQR 196-439) and antigen (median 174%; IQR 153.5-174.1). A mild reduction of ADAMTS13 was observed in critically ill patients and nonsurvivors. We demonstrated an inverse correlation between ADAMTS13 levels and inflammatory markers, D-dimer and SOFA score in our cohort. Elevated vWF and PAI-1 levels, and a mild reduction of ADAMTS13 in the most severe patients, suggest that COVID-19 coagulopathy is an endotheliopathy that has shared features with thrombotic microangiopathy.

Estudio Retrospectivo: Características Clínicas de la Esclerosis Sistémica en Pacientes de los Hospitales Vicente Corral Moscoso y José Carrasco Arteaga. Enero 2008 ­ Junio 2015 / Retrospective Research: Clinical Features of Systemic Sclerosis in Patients from Vicente Corral Moscoso and José Carrasco Arteaga Hospitals. January 2008 - June 2015

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerosis sistémica es una patología crónica del tejido conectivo; de etiología desconocida y caracterizada por presentar vasculopatía, autoinmunidad y fibrosis. Genera importantes repercusiones socio sanitarias y hasta la actualidad no tiene cura. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar las características clínicas de esa enfermedad en la población local. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo. El universo incluyó a 58 pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis sistémica en el Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso y José Carrasco Arteaga durante el período comprendido entre Enero 2008 ­ Julio 2015. La información fue recopilada de las historias clínicas digitales y se realizó estadística descriptiva utilizando el programa SPSS versión 20.0. RESULTADOS: La esclerosis sistémica fue más común en el sexo femenino (relación hombre ­ mujer: 1/8.6), el subtipo limitado fue la forma de presentación principal. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron las cutáneas (93.1%), seguidas de las osteomusculares (84.5%) y el fenómeno de Raynaud (81%). Los anticuerpos antinucleares fueron positivos en más del 70% de los pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: La esclerosis sistémica es una enfermedad crónica con afección multiorgánica. El conocimiento de las distintas manifestaciones clínicas de esta patología en la población local, facilitará el diagnóstico oportuno y la instauración de un tratamiento apropiado, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y prevenir complicaciones.(au)

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease; of unknown etiology and characterized by vasculopathy, autoimmunity and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features of this pathology in local population. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed. The universe included 58 patients with systemic sclerosis at Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital and Hospital of Specialties José Carrasco Arteaga during January 2008 - July 2015. The information was compiled from medical records; descriptive statistics were performed using the statistical program SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: Systemic sclerosis was more common in the females (male - female ratio: 1/8.6), the limited subtype was the main presentation form. The most frequent clinical features were skin disorders (93.1%), followed by osteomuscular manifestations (84.5%) and Raynaud's syndrome (81%). Antinuclear antibodies were positive in more than 70% of patients. CONCLUSION: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic entity with multisystem involvement. The knowledge of the different clinical manifestations will facilitate the opportune diagnosis and the establishment of an appropriate treatment; with the purpose of improve the quality of life and preventing complications.(au)