Hereditary Thrombophilia in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract

Thrombophilia, also called hypercoagulability or prothrombotic condition, usually reflects a certain imbalance that occurs either in the coagulation cascade or in the anticoagulation/fibrinolytic system. A similar imbalance may be induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Thrombotic complications are associated with multiorgan failure and increased mortality. In this context, activation of coagulation and thrombocytopenia appeared as prognostic markers in COVID-19. Our work provides a structured and updated analysis of inherited thrombophilia and its involvement in COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and initiating thromboprophylaxis. Since the state of hypercoagulation is directly correlated with COVID-19, we consider that studies on the genetic profiles of proteins involved in thrombophilia in patients who have had COVID-19 and thrombotic events are of great importance, both in treating and in preventing deaths due to COVID-19.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019; genetic profile; hereditary thrombophilia; thrombosis.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the coagulation process: coagulation factors (in black) and natural anticoagulants (in red); red dotted line—inhibitory effect; green dashed line—stimulatory effect; thick line—chemical transformation; thin line—catalytic effect.