A review of the pathological mechanisms and clinical implications of coagulopathy in COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic with approximately 15% of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit care. The mechanisms of end-organ damage and mortality in severe COVID are slowly being unraveled. COVID-related coagulopathy is a characteristic syndrome that plays a key role in multi-organ dysfunction and severe disease. Mechanistically, many components including endothelial cells, the coagulation system, complement system, cytokines, and NETosis are involved in the pathogenesis of this syndrome and provide potential therapeutic targets. We provide a focused review on the current understanding of COVID-19-related coagulopathy and its therapeutic implications.