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Semin Thromb Hemost 2020; 46(07): 845-849
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715458
Review Article

Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Bianca Christensen
1   Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Emmanuel J. Favaloro
2   Laboratory Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
3   Sydney Centers for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
4   School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
,
Giuseppe Lippi
5   Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
,
Elizabeth M. Van Cott
1   Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract

Over the past few months, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across much of the world leading to a pandemic. Many infected individuals do not experience signs or symptoms, or experience only mild symptoms, whilst a subset experience severe disease, which is often fatal. A number of laboratory tests have been found to be abnormal in hospitalized patients, and some studies suggest some of these tests can predict an unfavorable outcome. These include markers of acute phase reaction (elevated C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, fibrinogen, procalcitonin, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor), signs of tissue injury (elevated lactic dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, cardiac troponins), changes in hemostasis and coagulation (elevated D-dimer, prolonged prothrombin time, decreased platelets, decreased antithrombin, elevated factor VIII and von Willebrand factor), and decreased lymphocytes. Additional studies are needed to confirm the most ideal panel of tests, and to confirm the efficiency of laboratory tests to predict clinical outcome, as well as the ideal anticoagulation management.

Keywords

COVID-19 - coronavirus - laboratory abnormalities - SARS-CoV-2


Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2020

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