From COVID-19 to clot: the involvement of the complement system

Abstract

In December 2019, the world observed an unexpected outbreak of an emerging disease named coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first reported in Wuhan city of Hubei province of China. Recent literature has shown the association between COVID-19 infection and derangement in the coagulation profile. In this paper, we are discussing thrombo-genesis, especially the role of the complement system in the immune response against COVID-19 and the pathogenesis associated with tissue inflammation and thrombosis. This role can stipulate a groundwork for further investigation of the pathophysiologic importance of complement in COVID-19, and could propose targets for specific intervention. In addition, we delineated current treatments for thrombosis and the potential therapies by using agents to block the terminal complement pathway. Low molecular weight heparin for all (unless contraindicated) hospitalized COVID-19 patients can be lifesaving. Agents that inhibit the terminal events of the complement cascade might be crucial for ensuring an efficient treatment, decrease clots and permit early discharge in relation to COVID-19.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• clot
• treatment
• pathophysiology

Acknowledgements

Special appreciation for architect Riad Younes for developing the figures. Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose.

Funding

The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.