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Zlatković-Švenda M, Ovuka M, Ogrič M, Čučnik S, Žigon P, Radivčev A, Zdravković M, Radunović G. Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Vascular Thrombosis in Patients with Severe Forms of COVID-19. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3117. [PMID: 38137338 PMCID: PMC10741207 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLA) are a laboratory criterion for the classification of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and are known to cause clinical symptoms such as vascular thrombosis or obstetric complications. It is suggested that aPLA may be associated with thromboembolism in severe COVID-19 cases. Therefore, we aimed to combine clinical data with laboratory findings of aPLA at four time points (admission, worsening, discharge, and 3-month follow-up) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. In 111 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, current and past history of thrombosis and pregnancy complications were recorded. Nine types of aPLA were determined at four time points: anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti- β2GPI), and antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin (aPS/PT) of the IgM, IgG, or IgA isotypes. During hospitalization, seven patients died, three of them due to pulmonary artery thromboembolism (none were aPLA positive). Only one of the five who developed pulmonary artery thrombosis was aPLA positive. Out of 9/101 patients with a history of thrombosis, five had arterial thrombosis and none were aPLA positive at admission and follow-up; four had venous thrombosis, and one was aPLA positive at all time points (newly diagnosed APS). Of these 9/101 patients, 55.6% were transiently aPLA positive at discharge only, compared to 26.1% without a history of thrombosis (p = 0.041). Patients with severe forms of COVID-19 and positive aPLA should receive the same dose and anticoagulant medication regimen as those with negative aPLA because those antibodies are mostly transiently positive and not linked to thrombosis and fatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Zlatković-Švenda
- Institute of Rheumatology Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.R.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine Foča, University of East Sarajevo, 73300 Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Milica Ovuka
- Clinical Hospital Center Pančevo, 26101 Pancevo, Serbia;
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Manca Ogrič
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.O.); (S.Č.); (P.Ž.)
| | - Saša Čučnik
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.O.); (S.Č.); (P.Ž.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Žigon
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.O.); (S.Č.); (P.Ž.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | | | - Marija Zdravković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Clinical Hospital Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Radunović
- Institute of Rheumatology Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.R.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Bitterman L, Solhjoo M, Shah V, Kwon SM, Torralba K, Kazbour H. Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome as a Complication of COVID-19 Infection. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2023; 11:23247096231165736. [PMID: 37052044 PMCID: PMC10102817 DOI: 10.1177/23247096231165736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection has been found to precipitate hypercoagulability and transiently increase antiphospholipid antibodies. However, it is yet to be determined how likely these transient changes contribute to thrombotic events and antiphospholipid syndrome. We present a case in which antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in the presence of significant thromboses. The patient was subsequently treated for suspected catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome following COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vivek Shah
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, CA, USA
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Serrano M, Espinosa G, Serrano A, Cervera R. COVID-19 and the antiphospholipid syndrome. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103206. [PMID: 36195247 PMCID: PMC9527199 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic. Most COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic or have flu-like symptoms. However, around 15% of the patients may have severe disease, including unilateral or bilateral pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome and progressive hypoxemia that may require mechanical ventilation assistance. A systemic inflammatory response syndrome occurs in the most severe forms of COVID-19, with multiorgan involvement which can be life threatening caused by a cytokine storm. Although what best characterizes COVID-19 are the manifestations of the respiratory system, it has been shown that it also acts at the cardiovascular level, producing coagulation abnormalities, which causes thrombotic events mainly in the arteries/arterioles, microcirculation and venous system, and potentially increased mortality risk. This multiorgan vascular disease overlaps with other known microangiopathies, such as thrombotic microangiopathy or paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, where complement overactivation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of thrombosis. Furthermore, coagulopathy secondary to COVID-19 occurs in the context of an uncontrolled inflammatory response, reminiscent of APS, especially in its catastrophic form. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and the APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerard Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Insititut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonio Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Insititut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Corresponding author at: Servei de Malalties Autoimmunes, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Tehseen S, Williams S, Robinson J, Morris SK, Bitnun A, Gill P, Tal TE, Yeh A, Yea C, Ulloa‐Gutierrez R, Brenes‐Chacon H, Yock‐Corrales A, Ivankovich‐Escoto G, Soriano‐Fallas A, Papenburg J, Lefebvre M, Scuccimarri R, Nateghian A, Aski BH, Dwilow R, Bullard J, Cooke S, Restivo L, Lopez A, Sadarangani M, Roberts A, Forbes M, Saux NL, Bowes J, Purewal R, Lautermilch J, Bayliss A, Wong JK, Leifso K, Foo C, Panetta L, Kakkar F, Piche D, Viel‐Theriault I, Merckx J, Lieberman L. Thrombosis and hemorrhage experienced by hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 infection or MIS-C: Results of the PICNIC registry. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29793. [PMID: 35689507 PMCID: PMC9350140 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coagulopathy and thrombosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection are well defined in hospitalized adults and leads to adverse outcomes. Pediatric studies are limited. METHODS An international multicentered (n = 15) retrospective registry collected information on the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in hospitalized children from February 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021. This sub-study focused on coagulopathy. Study variables included patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, hospital course, laboratory parameters, management, and outcomes. RESULTS Nine hundred eighty-five children were enrolled, of which 915 (93%) had clinical information available; 385 (42%) had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, 288 had MIS-C (31.4%), and 242 (26.4%) had SARS-CoV-2 identified incidentally. Ten children (1%) experienced thrombosis, 16 (1.7%) experienced hemorrhage, and two (0.2%) experienced both thrombosis and hemorrhage. Significantly prevalent prothrombotic comorbidities included congenital heart disease (p-value .007), respiratory support (p-value .006), central venous catheter (CVC) (p = .04) in children with primary SARS-CoV-2 and in those with MIS-C included respiratory support (p-value .03), obesity (p-value .002), and cytokine storm (p = .012). Comorbidities prevalent in children with hemorrhage included age >10 years (p = .04), CVC (p = .03) in children with primary SARS-CoV-2 infection and in those with MIS-C encompassed thrombocytopenia (p = .001) and cytokine storm (p = .02). Eleven patients died (1.2%), with no deaths attributed to thrombosis or hemorrhage. CONCLUSION Thrombosis and hemorrhage are uncommon events in children with SARS-CoV-2; largely experienced by those with pre-existing comorbidities. Understanding the complete spectrum of coagulopathy in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection requires ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Tehseen
- Department of Laboratory medicine and PediatricsUniversity of Saskatchewan, SHASaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Suzan Williams
- Division of Hematology OncologyHospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Joan Robinson
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Shaun K. Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ari Bitnun
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Peter Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Tala El Tal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ann Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Carmen Yea
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Rolando Ulloa‐Gutierrez
- Department of PediatricsHospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera,” Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)San JoséCosta Rica
| | - Helena Brenes‐Chacon
- Department of PediatricsHospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera,” Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)San JoséCosta Rica
| | - Adriana Yock‐Corrales
- Department of PediatricsHospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera,” Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)San JoséCosta Rica
| | - Gabriela Ivankovich‐Escoto
- Department of PediatricsHospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera,” Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)San JoséCosta Rica
| | - Alejandra Soriano‐Fallas
- Department of PediatricsHospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera,” Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)San JoséCosta Rica
| | - Jesse Papenburg
- Department of PediatricsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Alireza Nateghian
- Department of PediatricsIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Rachel Dwilow
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Jared Bullard
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Suzette Cooke
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Lea Restivo
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Alison Lopez
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,Vaccine Evaluation CenterBC Children's Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Ashley Roberts
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Michelle Forbes
- Department of PediatricsWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Nicole Le Saux
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jennifer Bowes
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Rupeena Purewal
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Janell Lautermilch
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - Ann Bayliss
- Department of PediatricsTrillium Health PartnersMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Kirk Leifso
- Department of PediatricsQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - Cheryl Foo
- Department of PediatricsMemorial UniversitySt John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanada
| | - Luc Panetta
- Department of PediatricsUniversitie du MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- Department of PediatricsUniversitie du MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Dominique Piche
- Department of PediatricsDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | | | - Joanna Merckx
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational HealthMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Lani Lieberman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
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Abstract
The presence of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients has been described since the beginning of the pandemic. This association has been confirmed in most of the reported studies. Autopsy reports have shown that most thromboses are located in the lung, although they have also been observed in other organs such as the skin and kidneys. SARS-CoV2 infection induces a generalized prothrombotic state, which is attributed to a combination of factors such as hypoxia, excess cellular apoptosis, and mainly to overactivation of the immune system. Among immune-mediated prothrombotic situations, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) stands out. Recurrent thrombotic events are observed in APS in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). There are numerous studies that report high prevalence of aPL in patients with COVID-19 infection. However, the results show discrepancies in the data on the prevalence of aPL, and its role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in these patients. This could be due to the heterogeneity of the detection procedures for aPL or to transient elevations of non-pathogenic aPL levels in the context of infection. In this review we try to clarify the role of aPL in COVID-19 infection, and attempt to answer the question of whether it is a coagulopathy of its own, or secondary to APS.
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6
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Serrano M, Espinosa G, Serrano A, Cervera R. Antigens and Antibodies of the Antiphospholipid Syndrome as New Allies in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 Coagulopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094946. [PMID: 35563337 PMCID: PMC9102661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
High prevalence of both criteria and extra-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been reported in COVID-19 patients. However, the differences in aPL prevalence decreased when an age-matched control group was included. The association of aPL with thrombotic events in COVID-19 is very heterogeneous. This could be influenced by the fact that most of the studies carried out were conducted on small populations enriched with elderly patients in which aPL was measured only at a single point and they were performed with non-standardized assays. The few studies that confirmed aPL in a second measurement showed that aPL levels hardly changed, with the exception of the lupus anticoagulant that commonly reduced. COVID-19 coagulopathy is an aPL-independent phenomenon closely associated with the onset of the disease. Thrombosis occurs later in patients with aPL presence, which is likely an additional prothrombotic factor. B2-glycoprotein deficiency (mainly aPL antigen caused both by low production and consumption) is very common during the SARS-CoV2 infection and has been associated with a greater predisposition to COVID-19 complications. This could be a new prothrombotic mechanism that may be caused by the blockage of its physiological functions, the anticoagulant state being the most important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gerard Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Insititut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.E.); (R.C.)
| | - Antonio Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Insititut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.E.); (R.C.)
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Chidharla A, Syed SB, Chatterjee T, Tarantino MD. A Case Report of COVID-Associated Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Successfully Treated with Eculizumab. J Blood Med 2021; 12:929-933. [PMID: 34744467 PMCID: PMC8566005 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s324873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by multiple episodes of venous and arterial thromboses or recurrent fetal losses in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies against β2GP1, frequently accompanied by moderate thrombocytopenia. Catastrophic APS (CAPS) is a severe manifestation of APS. COVID-19 may have an intense hypercoagulable state in critically ill patients. SARS-CoV2 may potentiate pathogenic APS effects, including the activation of endothelial cells, monocytes, platelets, and complement, resulting in a proinflammatory state and prothrombotic events. The endothelial tropism of SARS-CoV2 may also modify the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in susceptible individuals and trigger flares of underlying vascular diseases. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman with a history of triple-positive APS who had multiple thrombotic and bleeding episodes after being found to have a COVID-19 infection temporally associated with CAPS development that was successfully treated with eculizumab, preventing further macro- and microvascular thrombotic events at 1 month follow-up. Our case highlights the need for more research regarding the mechanism by which COVID-19 may potentiate APS and lead to the development of CAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Chidharla
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kansas University Cancer Center, Kansas, KS, USA
| | - Salman B Syed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Tulika Chatterjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Michael D Tarantino
- Department of Hematology, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute, Peoria, IL, USA
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Gil-Etayo FJ, Garcinuño S, Lalueza A, Díaz-Simón R, García-Reyne A, Pleguezuelo DE, Cabrera-Marante O, Rodriguez-Frias EA, Perez-Rivilla A, Serrano M, Serrano A. Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies and COVID-19 Thrombosis: A Co-Star, Not a Supporting Actor. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080899. [PMID: 34440103 PMCID: PMC8389622 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 clinical features include a hypercoagulable state that resembles the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disease characterized by thrombosis and presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The relationship between aPL-presence and the appearance of thrombi as well as the transience or permanence of aPL in COVID-19 patients is not sufficiently clear. Methods: A group of 360 COVID-19 patients were followed-up for 6 months. Classic aPL, anti-B2GPI IgA, anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgG/M and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined at acute phase and >12 weeks later. The reference group included 143 healthy volunteers of the same age-range distribution. Results: aPL prevalence was similar in COVID-19 patients and the reference population. aPL presence in both determinations was significantly associated with thrombosis (OR: 2.33 and 3.71), strong agreement being found for classic aPL and anti-B2GPI IgA (Weighted kappa: 0.85–0.91). Thrombosis-associated aPL occurred a median of 17 days after hospital admission (IQR: 6–28) vs. 4 days for the rest (IQR: 3–7). Although anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies levels increased during convalescence, aPL hardly changed. Conclusions: Most COVID-19 patients would carry these aPL before the infection. At least two mechanisms could be behind thrombosis, early immune-dysregulation-mediated thrombosis after infection and belated-aPL-mediated thrombosis, with SARS-CoV-2 behaving as a second hit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Gil-Etayo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-E.); (D.E.P.); (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.)
| | - Sara Garcinuño
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Lalueza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.L.); (R.D.-S.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Raquel Díaz-Simón
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.L.); (R.D.-S.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Ana García-Reyne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.L.); (R.D.-S.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Daniel Enrique Pleguezuelo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-E.); (D.E.P.); (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.)
| | - Oscar Cabrera-Marante
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-E.); (D.E.P.); (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.)
| | - Edgard Alfonso Rodriguez-Frias
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-E.); (D.E.P.); (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.)
| | - Alfredo Perez-Rivilla
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Manuel Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Serrano
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-E.); (D.E.P.); (O.C.-M.); (E.A.R.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Epidemiology, Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-659-496-544
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9
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Abstract
Purpose of the Review Elevated levels of anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies are the most important criterion in the diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and are usually responsible for promoting the risk of thrombotic complications. Now, in the course of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, measurable aPL antibodies have also been detected in a noticeable number of patients showing a variety ranging from studies with only isolated positive tests to cohorts with very high positivity. Thus, the question arises as to whether these two different clinical pictures may be linked. Recent Findings The ambivalent results showed a frequent occurrence of the investigated aPL antibodies in COVID-19 patients to an individually varying degree. While some question a substantial correlation according to their results, a number of studies raise questions about the significance of a correlation of aPL antibodies in COVID-19 patients. Within the scope of this review, these have now been described and compared with each other. Summary Ultimately, it is necessary to conduct further studies that specifically test aPL antibodies in a larger context in order to make subsequent important statements about the role of APS in COVID-19 and to further strengthen the significance of the described comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg Henes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Auto-inflammatory Diseases and Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pulmology), University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, DE 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Saur
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Auto-inflammatory Diseases and Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pulmology), University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, DE 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Favaloro EJ, Henry BM, Lippi G. Is Lupus Anticoagulant a Significant Feature of COVID-19? A Critical Appraisal of the Literature. Semin Thromb Hemost 2021; 48:55-71. [PMID: 34130341 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The term "lupus anticoagulant (LA)" identifies a form of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) causing prolongation of clotting tests in a phospholipid concentration-dependent manner. LA is one of the laboratory criteria identified in patients with antiphospholipid (antibody) syndrome (APS). The presence of LA in patients with APS represents a significant risk factor for both thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. There have been several reports of similarities between some of the pathophysiological features of COVID-19 and APS, in particular the most severe form, catastrophic APS. There have also been many reports identifying various aPLs, including LA, in COVID-19 patients. Accordingly, a very pertinent question arises: "Is LA a feature of COVID-19 pathology?" In this review, we critically appraise the literature to help answer this question. We conclude that LA positivity is a feature of COVID-19, at least in some patients, and potentially those who are the sickest or have the most severe infection. However, many publications have failed to appropriately consider the many confounders to LA identification, being assessed using clot-based assays such as the dilute Russell viper venom time, the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and the silica clotting time. First, most patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are placed on anticoagulant therapy, and those with prior histories of thrombosis would possibly present to hospital already on anticoagulant therapy. All anticoagulants, including vitamin K antagonists, heparin (both unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin), and direct oral anticoagulants affect these clot-based assays. Second, C-reactive protein (CRP) is highly elevated in COVID-19 patients, and also associated with severity. CRP can also lead to false-positive LA, particularly with the aPTT assay. Third, persistence of aPL positivity (including LA) is required to identify APS. Fourth, those at greatest risk of thrombosis due to aPL are those with highest titers or multiple positivity. Most publications either did not identify anticoagulation and/or CRP in their COVID-19 cohorts or did not seem to account for these as possible confounders for LA detection. Most publications did not assess for aPL persistence, and where persistence was checked, LA appeared to represent transient aPL. Finally, high titer aPL or multiple aPL positivity were in the minority of COVID-19 presentations. Thus, at least some of the reported LAs associated with COVID-19 are likely to be false positives, and the relationship between the detected aPL/LA and COVID-19-associated coagulopathy remains to be resolved using larger and better studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel J Favaloro
- Department of Haematology, Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brandon Michael Henry
- Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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11
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Favaloro EJ, Henry BM, Lippi G. COVID-19 and Antiphospholipid Antibodies: Time for a Reality Check? Semin Thromb Hemost 2021; 48:72-92. [PMID: 34130340 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) comprise a panel of autoantibodies that reflect a potential prothrombotic risk in several autoimmune conditions, most notably antiphospholipid (antibody) syndrome (APS). aPL can be divided into those that form part of the laboratory criteria for APS, namely, lupus anticoagulant (LA), as well as anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI) of the immunoglobulin G and M classes, and those that form a group considered as "noncriteria antibodies." The noncriteria antibodies include, for example, antiphosphatidylserine antibodies (aPS), antiprothrombin antibodies (aPT), and antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex antibodies (aPS/PT). COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) represents a prothrombotic disorder, and there have been several reports of various aPL being present in COVID-19 patients. There have also been similarities drawn between some of the pathophysiological features of COVID-19 and APS, in particular, the most severe form, catastrophic APS (CAPS). In this review, we critically appraise the literature on aPL and COVID-19. This is a companion piece to a separate review focused on LA. In the current review, we primarily concentrate on the so-called solid phase identifiable aPL, such as aCL and aβ2GPI, but also reflect on noncriteria aPL. We conclude that aPL positivity may be a feature of COVID-19, at least in some patients, but in general, identified "solid-phase" aPL are of low titer and not able to be well-linked to the thrombotic aspects of COVID-19. Also, most publications did not assess for aPL persistence, and where persistence was checked, the findings appeared to represent transient aPL. Importantly, high-titer aPL or multiple aPL positivity (including double, triple) were in the minority of COVID-19 presentations, and thus discount any widespread presence of APS, including the most severe form CAPS, in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel J Favaloro
- Department of Haematology, Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Brandon Michael Henry
- Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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12
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Serrano M, Espinosa G, Lalueza A, Bravo-Gallego LY, Diaz-Simón R, Garcinuño S, Gil-Etayo J, Moises J, Naranjo L, Prieto-González S, Ruiz-Ortiz E, Sánchez B, Moreno-Castaño AB, Díaz-Pedroche C, Viñas-Gomis O, Cervera R, Serrano A. Beta-2-Glycoprotein-I Deficiency Could Precipitate an Antiphospholipid Syndrome-like Prothrombotic Situation in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:267-276. [PMID: 33738987 PMCID: PMC8063141 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) present coagulation abnormalities and thromboembolic events that resemble antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This work has aimed to study the prevalence of APS‐related antigens, antibodies, and immune complexes in patients with COVID‐19 and their association with clinical events. Methods A prospective study was conducted on 474 adults with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection hospitalized in two Spanish university hospitals. Patients were evaluated for classic and extra‐criteria antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), immunoglobulin G (IgG)/immunoglobulin M (IgM) anticardiolipin, IgG/IgM/immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti‐β2‐glicoprotein‐I (aβ2GPI), IgG/IgM antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin (aPS/PT), the immune complex of IgA aβ2GPI (IgA‐aβ2GPI), bounded to β2‐glicoprotein‐1 (β2GPI) and β2GPI levels soon after COVID‐19 diagnosis and were followed‐up until medical discharge or death. Results Prevalence of aPLs in patients with COVID‐19 was as follows: classic aPLs, 5.8%; aPS/PT, 4.6%; IgA‐aβ2GPI, 15%; and any aPL, 21%. When patients were compared with individuals of a control group of a similar age, the only significant difference found was the higher prevalence of IgA‐aβ2GPI (odds ratio: 2.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.16‐4.09). No significant differences were observed in survival, thrombosis, or ventilatory failure in aPL‐positive versus aPL‐negative patients. β2GPI median levels were much lower in patients with COVID‐19 (15.9 mg/l) than in blood donors (168.8 mg/l; P < 0.001). Only 3.5% of patients with COVID‐19 had normal levels of β2GPI (>85 mg/l). Low levels of β2GPI were significantly associated with ventilatory failure (P = 0.026). Conclusion β2GPI levels were much lower in patients with COVID‐19 than in healthy people. Low β2GPI‐levels were associated with ventilatory failure. No differences were observed in the COVID‐19 evolution between aPL‐positive and aPL‐negative patients. Functional β2GPI deficiency could trigger a clinical process similar to that seen in APS but in the absence of aPLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Serrano
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute and Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerard Espinosa
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonio Lalueza
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luz Yadira Bravo-Gallego
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raquel Diaz-Simón
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Garcinuño
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gil-Etayo
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Moises
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Naranjo
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute I+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Prieto-González
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Ruiz-Ortiz
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Sánchez
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Moreno-Castaño
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Odette Viñas-Gomis
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonio Serrano
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Healthcare Research Institute and Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
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13
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SeyedAlinaghi S, Afsahi AM, MohsseniPour M, Behnezhad F, Salehi MA, Barzegary A, Mirzapour P, Mehraeen E, Dadras O. Late Complications of COVID-19; a Systematic Review of Current Evidence. ARCHIVES OF ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2021; 9:e14. [PMID: 33681819 PMCID: PMC7927752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Masoud Afsahi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), California, USA
| | - Mehrzad MohsseniPour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Behnezhad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Salehi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Pegah Mirzapour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mehraeen
- Department of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Omid Dadras
- Department of Global Health and Socioepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto. Japan
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14
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SeyedAlinaghi S, Afsahi AM, MohsseniPour M, Behnezhad F, Salehi MA, Barzegary A, Mirzapour P, Mehraeen E, Dadras O. Late Complications of COVID-19; a Systematic Review of Current Evidence. ARCHIVES OF ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2021. [PMID: 33681819 PMCID: PMC7927752 DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v9i1.1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Masoud Afsahi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), California, USA
| | - Mehrzad MohsseniPour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Behnezhad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Salehi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Pegah Mirzapour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mehraeen
- Department of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Omid Dadras
- Department of Global Health and Socioepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto. Japan
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15
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Abstract
The current, global situation regarding the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and its potentially devastating clinical manifestations, i.e. coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), took the world by storm, as millions of people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,600,000 patients have succumbed. Infection induced by various respiratory viruses may lead to thrombotic complications. Infection-elicited thrombosis may involve a repertoire of distinct, yet interconnected pathophysiological mechanisms, implicating a hyperinflammatory response, platelet activation and triggering of the coagulation cascade. In the present review, we present current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms that may underlie thrombotic complications in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, we provide clinical data regarding the incidence rate of thrombotic events in several viral respiratory infections that cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, including SARS-CoV-2 infection and finally we summarize current recommendations concerning thromboprophylaxis and antithrombotic therapy in patients with thrombotic complications related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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16
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Kothandaraman N, Rengaraj A, Xue B, Yew WS, Velan SS, Karnani N, Leow MKS. COVID-19 endocrinopathy with hindsight from SARS. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2021; 320:E139-E150. [PMID: 33236920 PMCID: PMC7816429 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00480.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic is probably the worst the world has ever faced since the start of the new millennium. Although the respiratory system is the most prominent target of SARS-CoV-2 (the contagion of COVID-19), extrapulmonary involvement are emerging as important contributors of its morbidity and lethality. This article summarizes the impact of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 on the endocrine system to facilitate our understanding of the nature of coronavirus-associated endocrinopathy. Although new data are rapidly accumulating on this novel infection, many of the endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 remain incompletely elucidated. We, hereby, summarize various endocrine dysfunctions including coronavirus-induced new onset diabetes mellitus, hypocortisolism, thyroid hormone, and reproductive system aberrations so that clinicians armed with such insights can potentially benefit patients with COVID-19 at the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narasimhan Kothandaraman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Anantharaj Rengaraj
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Bo Xue
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Sendhil Velan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Neerja Karnani
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melvin Khee Shing Leow
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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17
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Chaves Andrade M, Souza de Faria R, Avelino Mota Nobre S. COVID-19: Can the symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection affect the homeostasis of the gut-brain-microbiota axis? Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:110206. [PMID: 33254513 PMCID: PMC7444650 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is associated with acute and lethal pneumonia, causing the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is not confined to the respiratory tract, as demonstrated by clinical evidence of the involvement of multiple organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, we hypothesized that both oligosymptomatic and symptomatic patients present an imbalance in the microbiota-gut (immune system) and nervous system axis, worsening the clinical picture. The brain constantly receives a direct and indirect influence from the intestine, more specifically from the immune system and intestinal microbiota. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the intestine and CNS, can contribute to both neurological disorders and gut immune system imbalance, events potentialized by an intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, aggravating the patient's condition and causing more prolonged harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marileia Chaves Andrade
- Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, UNIMONTES, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina de Itajubá, FMIT, Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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18
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Abstract
Most severe cases with COVID-19, especially those with pulmonary failure, are not a consequence of viral burden and/or failure of the 'adaptive' immune response to subdue the pathogen by utilizing an adequate 'adaptive' immune defense. Rather it is a consequence of immunopathology, resulting from imbalanced innate immune response, which may not be linked to pathogen burden at all. In fact, it might be described as an autoinflammatory disease. The Kawasaki-like disease seen in children with SARS-CoV-2 exposure might be another example of similar mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaim Oscar Jacob
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2110 Zonal Ave, HMR 705 Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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