ABSTRACT
We conducted an observational study to assess the impact of COVID-19 emergency on management and outcomes of patients with Fabry disease referring to our Center in Naples, Italy. No patient of the 129 included reported suspected symptoms; 3 isolated themselves in auto-quarantine for flu-like symptoms. All treated patients regularly continued their therapies; 8 missed one infusion: 3 for self-isolation with 2 relatives, and 3 refused to receive nurse at home. All elective procedures were deferred and telemedicine was adopted.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/prevention & control , Fabry Disease/therapy , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Telemedicine/methods , Adult , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/virology , Fabry Disease/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2/physiologyABSTRACT
In our opinion, the use of heparin could play a crucial role in these patients. In fact, recent studies have shown that heparin, the most commonly used anticoagulant during HD procedures, had anti-inflammatory properties and a direct antiviral action, due to its ability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry into host cells. These activities, together with its anticoagulant action, could explain the ability of heparin to ameliorate COVID-19 clinical course.