Platelet functions and activities as potential hematologic parameters related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease that currently lacks standardized and established laboratory markers to evaluate its severity. In COVID-19 patients, the number of platelets (PLTs) and dynamic changes of PLT-related parameters are currently a concern. The present paper discusses the potential link between PLT parameters and COVID-19. Several studies have identified a link between severe COVID-19 patients and specific coagulation index, in particular, high D-dimer level, prolonged prothrombin time, and low PLT count. These alterations reflect the hypercoagulable state present in severe COVID-19 patients, which could promote microthrombosis in the lungs, as well as in other organs. Further information and more advanced hematological parameters related to PLTs are needed to better estimate this link, also considering COVID-19 patients at different disease stages and stratified in different cohorts based on preexisting co-morbidity, age, and gender. Increasing the understanding of PLT functions in COVID-19 will undoubtedly improve our knowledge on disease pathogenesis, clinical management, and therapeutic options, but could also lead to the development of more precise therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 patients.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• hematological parameters
• platelets

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (Ricerca Corrente). The authors gratefully acknowledge Silvia Bassini for the support in the realization of the Figure related to COVID-19 and platelet parameters.

Disclosure Statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Authors contribution

Conception of the work: FS; acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data: FS, MM; drafting of the work: FS, MM; critical revise: MPL, MF; final approval: FS, MM, MPL, MF.