Connective tissue disorders in COVID-19: Reply to "People with a connective tissue disorder may be especially vulnerable to the endothelial damage that characterizes long COVID due to the fragility of their vasculature and slow wound healing".

ABSTRACT

Connective tissue serves as a framework for other tissues and organs, supporting their functions, shielding them from harmful factors, and aiding repair. In COVID-19, damaged endothelial cells (ECs), increased endothelial permeability, and thrombi contribute to the connective tissue disorders. Even post-recovery, the damage to ECs and connective tissues persists, resulting in long COVID. Individuals with connective tissue disorders are prone to developing severe COVID-19 and experiencing long COVID symptoms. It is advised that these patients receive at least three vaccine doses, undergo early prophylactic antithrombotic therapy during acute COVID-19, and maintain prophylactic anticoagulant treatment in cases of long COVID.