Hematological and Coagulation Parameters as Associated Factors in Iranian COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, identified as the causative agent of COVID-19, first emerged in Dec 2019 and subsequently triggered a rapid global pandemic. Despite extensive research, no definitive treatment has been established, and the disease is anticipated to re-emerge in the future, underscoring the need for continued investigation into its clinical and laboratory manifestations. We aimed to evaluate changes in hematological and coagulation parameters before and after COVID-19 infection.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records from 94 patients admitted to Allameh Bohlool Gonabadi Hospital in Gonabad, Iran between Apr 21, 2022 and Sep 22, 2022. Complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation tests, including D-dimer, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and prothrombin time (PT) levels, were analyzed before and after COVID-19 infection.

Results: Significant hematological and coagulation abnormalities were observed in severe COVID-19 cases. These included lymphopenia (P<0.0001), thrombocytopenia (P<0.0001), prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (P<0.0001), prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (P=0.0003), and elevated D-dimer levels (P<0.0001). The results of this study indicate demonstrate significant COVID-19-associated alterations in hematological parameters and coagulation cascades.

Conclusion: The observed dysregulation of hemostatic pathways and blood cell indices underscores the need for careful hematological monitoring in clinical management, particularly for surgical candidates. Monitoring these parameters can aid in early diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment optimization.