A Review of Hematological Complications and Treatment in COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, and its variants have spread rapidly across the globe in the past few years, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. Hematological diseases and complications associated with COVID-19 severely impact the mortality and morbidity rates of patients; therefore, there is a need for oversight on what pharmaceutical therapies are prescribed to hematologically at-risk patients. Thrombocytopenia, hemoglobinemia, leukopenia, and leukocytosis are all seen at increased rates in patients infected with COVID-19 and become more prominent in patients with severe COVID-19. Further, COVID-19 therapeutics may be associated with hematological complications, and this became more important in immunocompromised patients with hematological conditions as they are at higher risk of hematological complications after treatment. Thus, it is important to understand and treat COVID-19 patients with underlying hematological conditions with caution. Hematological changes during COVID-19 infection and treatment are important because they may serve as biomarkers as well as to evaluate the treatment response, which will help in changing treatment strategies. In this literature review, we discuss the hematological complications associated with COVID-19, the mechanisms, treatment groups, and adverse effects of commonly used COVID-19 therapies, followed by the hematological adverse events that could arise due to therapeutic agents used in COVID-19.

Distinguishing Swine Flu (H1N1) from COVID-19: Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Perspectives

“…Additionally, monoclonal antibody therapies have been authorized for COVID-19 treatment, offering passive immunity, and reducing the risk of severe disease progression [ 49 ]. However, adverse hematological events associated with COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccination have been noted, and must be carefully examined, particularly in patients with hematological malignancies [ 50 , 51 ].…”

Long COVID-19 and Peripheral Serotonin: A Commentary and Reconsideration

“…As previously reviewed, [10][11][12][13] a large number of studies have reported substantially reduced platelet counts in COVID-19 and the reduction has often been attributed to platelet hyperactivation/hyperaggregability and a presumed resultant shortened platelet lifespan (attributions also supported by animal studies reported by Wong et al 1 ). Lowered platelet count is the most parsimonious explanation for the lower mean serum 5-HT values reported for COVID-19 patients in the studies referenced by Wong et al However, without platelet counts it is not possible to know if other factors (especially 5-HT exposure and uptake inhibition) are playing a role in those previously reported reductions in serum 5-HT.…”