Open AccessPotential role of platelets in COVID‐19: Implications for thrombosis
Author(s) -
Koupenova Milka
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2475-0379
DOI - 10.1002/rth2.12397
Subject(s) - platelet , hemostasis , thrombosis , coagulation , immunology , coronavirus , platelet activation , medicine , immune system , disease , covid-19 , virology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
For the past 150 years, platelets have been recognized as the major blood component that mediates hemostasis and thrombosis. In more recent years, however, we have come to appreciate that platelets also perform profound immune functions during infection with various pathogens. We now recognize that platelets can also mediate a response to various RNA viruses such as influenza and that many viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), can affect platelet count. Thrombocytopenia and increased coagulation have been independently associated with increased mortality. This article provides a perspective on the potential roles of platelets during coronavirus disease 2019.