Clinical significance of assessing ADAMTS-13 and von Willebrand factor level in COVID-19 convalescent pregnant women.

Introduction. Coronavirus infection is associated with severe endotheliopathy, thromboinflammation and immunothrombosis leading to excessive release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers from Weibel-Palade bodies, which can affect activity of ADAMTS-13 metalloproteinase (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) and the ADAMTS-13/vWF axis previously shown by us to be altered in non-pregnant women with severe COVID-19. Aim(s): to study a clinical role of hemostasis activation particularly ADAMTS-13/vWF axis in pregnant women after COVID-19. Materials and Methods. A prospective case-control study was conducted with pregnant women (n = 135) divided into 3 groups: group 1 included 45 women with prior COVID-19 during pregnancy, group 2 - 45 women in the acute phase of the infection during pregnancy, group 3 - 45 healthy pregnant women. The level of vWF and ADAMTS-13 was assessed in all patients. Results. The concentration of vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) in the acute period of the disease in pregnant women with COVID-19 was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). ADAMTS-13 level in pregnant women after COVID-19 did not differ from that of in control group, while vWF level was significantly higher in 66.7 % (30/45). The ADAMTS-13/vWF ratio was increased and significantly differed both in pregnant patients during the acute period of the disease (p < 0.001) and pregnant women after infection (p = 0.0002) compared with the control group. Conclusion. Our results show that endotheliopathy was prominently manifested in pregnant women with COVID-19 and persisted for several months after disease. The ADAMTS-13/vWF ratio determines the pathway functioning, the risk of microcirculation disorders and clinical complications.Copyright © 2023 Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo Universiteta, Yazyk i Literatura. All rights reserved.

Functioning of the ADAMTS-13/vWF axis and its clinical significance

Advances in biology have allowed us to substantially deepen our knowledge about hemostasis functioning both in health and disease. ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are components of the hemostasis system, which physiological interaction holds an important place in maintaining homeostasis. ADAMTS-13 is a metalloproteinase mainly acting to release vWF fragments into the blood plasma, as well as regulating its activity by cleaving ultra-large vWF multimers (UL-vWF) into smaller and less active forms. The study of such factors is of great clinical importance, since a decrease in ADAMTS-13 activity and an increase in vWF level can be predictors of microcirculatory disorders that play an important role in developing multiple organ failure. However, very few and fully contradictory studies devoted to the physiological aspects of the ADAMTS-13/vWF axis functioning in the mother-fetus system are available, therefore requiring to be further investigated.Copyright © 2023 Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Clinical significance of assessing ADAMTS-13 and von Willebrand factor level in COVID-19 convalescent pregnant women

Introduction. Coronavirus infection is associated with severe endotheliopathy, thromboinflammation and immunothrombosis leading to excessive release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers from Weibel-Palade bodies, which can affect activity of ADAMTS-13 metalloproteinase (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) and the ADAMTS-13/vWF axis previously shown by us to be altered in non-pregnant women with severe COVID-19. Aim: to study a clinical role of hemostasis activation particularly ADAMTS-13/vWF axis in pregnant women after COVID-19. Materials and Мethods. A prospective case-control study was conducted with pregnant women (n = 135) divided into 3 groups: group 1 included 45 women with prior COVID-19 during pregnancy, group 2 - 45 women in the acute phase of the infection during pregnancy, group 3 - 45 healthy pregnant women. The level of vWF and ADAMTS-13 was assessed in all patients. Results. The concentration of vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) in the acute period of the disease in pregnant women with COVID-19 was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). ADAMTS-13 level in pregnant women after COVID-19 did not differ from that of in control group, while vWF level was significantly higher in 66.7 % (30/45). The ADAMTS-13/vWF ratio was increased and significantly differed both in pregnant patients during the acute period of the disease (p < 0.001) and pregnant women after infection (p = 0.0002) compared with the control group. Conclusion. Our results show that endotheliopathy was prominently manifested in pregnant women with COVID-19 and persisted for several months after disease. The ADAMTS-13/vWF ratio determines the pathway functioning, the risk of microcirculation disorders and clinical complications. © 2023 Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo Universiteta, Yazyk i Literatura. All rights reserved.

Clinical significance of assessing ADAMTS-13 and von Willebrand factor level in COVID-19 convalescent pregnant women.

Introduction. Coronavirus infection is associated with severe endotheliopathy, thromboinflammation and immunothrombosis leading to excessive release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers from Weibel-Palade bodies, which can affect activity of ADAMTS-13 metalloproteinase (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) and the ADAMTS-13/vWF axis previously shown by us to be altered in non-pregnant women with severe COVID-19. Aim(s): to study a clinical role of hemostasis activation particularly ADAMTS-13/vWF axis in pregnant women after COVID-19. Materials and Methods. A prospective case-control study was conducted with pregnant women (n = 135) divided into 3 groups: group 1 included 45 women with prior COVID-19 during pregnancy, group 2 - 45 women in the acute phase of the infection during pregnancy, group 3 - 45 healthy pregnant women. The level of vWF and ADAMTS-13 was assessed in all patients. Results. The concentration of vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) in the acute period of the disease in pregnant women with COVID-19 was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). ADAMTS-13 level in pregnant women after COVID-19 did not differ from that of in control group, while vWF level was significantly higher in 66.7 % (30/45). The ADAMTS-13/vWF ratio was increased and significantly differed both in pregnant patients during the acute period of the disease (p < 0.001) and pregnant women after infection (p = 0.0002) compared with the control group. Conclusion. Our results show that endotheliopathy was prominently manifested in pregnant women with COVID-19 and persisted for several months after disease. The ADAMTS-13/vWF ratio determines the pathway functioning, the risk of microcirculation disorders and clinical complications.Copyright © 2023 Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo Universiteta, Yazyk i Literatura. All rights reserved.

Prognostic value of von Willebrand factor in clinical practice

The von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a multimeric plasma glycoprotein, which quantification has important prognostic value. The current literature review demonstrates a relationship between the disease severity and vWF level. For example, von Willebrand disease is characterized by a quantitative/qualitative genetic vWF deficiency resulting in potentially developed massive bleeding, which knowledge can prevent development of formidable complications. We should also not forget about an opportunity of developing acquired Willebrand syndrome most often occurring in response to autoimmune diseases. A marked vWF increase during pregnancy may evidence about developing preeclampsia, whereas in newborns exposed to additional risk factors, it can lead to thrombosis. In cancer patients, a substantially elevated vWF level correlates with low survival, especially in those with ovarian cancer, glioblastomas, esophageal and lung cancer. The emergence of a novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 allowed us to take a fresh look at prognostic value of vWF, because numerous studies show that increased blood plasma vWF:Ag is associated with more adverse outcome in patients with COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate an importance of determining vWF level, because early diagnostics and treatment can improve the outcomes of all such patients. Copyright © 2022 Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. All rights reserved.

Von Willebrand Factor and Myeloperoxidase as Laboratory Predictive Markers of In-Hospital Survival in Severe COVID-19 Patients

Background. The severe acute respiratory syndrome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus-mediated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlighted the central role of immunothrombosis. Severe endothelial damage with the release of unusually large multimers of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and subsequent consumption of ADAMTS-13 is described during severe COVID-19. The activation of innate immune cells among which neutrophils contribute to the formation of extracellular neutrophil traps (NETs) and to the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) potentially contributing to the spread of inflammation and microvascular thrombosis. Objective - to evaluate the ability of vWF, ADAMTS-13 and MPO to predict in-hospital mortality in severe COVID-19 patients needing mechanical ventilation. Methods. We performed a one-center observational study of 79 severe COVID-19 patients entering intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation, examining vWF, ADAMTS-13 and MPO among other potential predictors for in-hospital death. Results. After multivariate analysis, vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) and MPO antigen (MPO:Ag) were finally the single two parameters which increasing values were independently associated with non-survival;vWF:Ag (U/dL): adjusted OR 3.360, 95% CI 1.562-7.228, p = 0.0019;MPO:Ag (ng/ml): adjusted OR 1.062, 95% CI 1.024-1.101, p = 0.0011. From these results a simplified mortality score was derived and patients categorized as having a score value higher or lower that the median value of the score: a high score value was associated with a lower cumulative survival rate (p < 0.0001), 50% of the cases being dead at day 13 post-hospital admission. Conclusions. In severe COVID-19 necessitating mechanical ventilation, increasing values of MPO activity and of vWF antigen tested at admission are associated with poor survival. Copyright © 2022 Izdatel'stvo Meditsina. All rights reserved.

Pathogenetic and prognostic significance of inflammation and altered ADAMTS-13/vWF axis in patients with severe COVID-19

Introduction. Currently, endothelial dysfunction caused by inflammation and immunothrombosisis considered as one of the crucial mechanisms in developing the SARS-CoV-2 virus-mediated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A mass endothelial damage followed by release of untypical large quantity of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers and subsequent consumption of metalloproteinase ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) is described during severe COVID-19. The activation of innate immune cells including neutrophils results in formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release that, in turn, contributes to spread of inflammation and microvascular thrombosis. Aim: to evaluate a pathogenetic role and predictive significance for serum markers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and hemostatis activation such as vWF, ADAMTS-13 and MPO for in-hospital mortality in severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical lung ventilation. Materials and Methods. There was performed a single-center observational study with 129 severe COVID-19 patients on mechanical lung ventilation at the intensive care unit, by assessing serum in all subjects vWF, ADAMTS-13 as well as in 79 patients MPO level along with other potential predictors for in-hospital mortality. Results. A multivariate analysis revealed that increased serum level for vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) and MPO antigen (MPO:Ag) were significantly and independently related to high mortality probability: vWF:Ag (IU/ml) - adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.360;95 % confidence interval (95 % Cl) = 1.562-7,228 (р = 0,0019);MPO:Ag (ng/ml) - adjusted OR = 1.062;95 % = 1.024-1.101 (p = 0.0011). Such data allowed to obtained a simplified mortality score for categorizing patients as those having a higher or lower score compared with the median score level: a high score was associated with lower cumulative survival rate (p < 0.0001), with 50 % of the cases linked to lethal outcome on day 13 post-hospital admission. Conclusion. Severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical lung ventilation were found to have elevated level of serum MPO activity and vWF correlating with poor survival.

Anticoagulants: dose control methods and inhibitors

These days, anticoagulants are in great demand. They are used as a prophylaxis for thromboembolic complications in various diseases and conditions in general therapeutic practice, cardiology, neurology, as well as obstetrics to manage high-risk pregnancies. The relevance of anticoagulants competent use has come to the fore in connection with the emergence of a new disease – COVID-19 and its serious complications such as developing thrombotic storm, in which the timely applied anticoagulant therapy is the key to the success of therapy. The risk of bleeding should be considered when using any anticoagulant. Age, impaired renal function and concomitant use of antiplatelet agents are common risk factors for bleeding. Moreover, only vitamin K antagonists and heparin have specific antidotes – vitamin K and protamine, respectively. Inhibitors of other anticoagulants are universal presented as inactivated or activated prothrombin complex concentrate and recombinant factor VIIa. Hemodialysis effectively reduces dabigatran concentration, activated charcoal is effective in the case of recent oral administration of lipophilic drugs. Research on new antidotes of currently available anticoagulants is under way, similar to testing of new types of anticoagulants that are sufficiently effective in preventing and treating thromboembolic complications with minimal risk of hemorrhagic. The main contraindication to anticoagulants use is the doctor's ignorance of the mechanisms of drug action and opportunities for suppressing its effect.

Novel coronavirus infection and Kawasaki disease.

There is a global problem of increment of the number of children with clinical features that mimic Kawasaki Disease (KD) during the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The disease was first reported by Tomisaku Kawasaki, a Japanese pediatrician, in a four-year-old child with a rash and fever at the Red Cross Hospital in Tokyo in January 1961. Now Kawasaki disease is recognized worldwide. The complexity of symptoms was defined as an «acute febrile mucocutaneous lymphnode syndrome". At the moment, it is still unclear whether the coronavirus itself can lead to development of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. However, it is believed that COVID-19 virus infection worsens the course of Kawasaki disease, and in some cases, children affected by SARS-V-2 may develop a disease that has a clinical picture similar to Kawasaki disease.

COVID-19 and thrombotic microangiopathy

As shown by numerous studies conducted during the pandemic, the severe course of COVID-19 is accompanied by multiple organ failure. Cytokine storm, hypercoagulation, complement hyperactivation and other arms comprise the overall picture of the pathogenesis of the severe disease course. The frequent diagnosis of multiple microvascular thrombosis in lung, heart, and kidneys, as well as the presence of platelet-fibrin thrombi there and signs of terminal organ damage, suggest a possible involvement of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in the development of multiple organ failure. In this regard, it is especially important to timely diagnose TMA and start pathogenetic therapy. These measures can significantly reduce mortality due to the novel disease. Heparins and direct oral anticoagulants are the mainstay for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19, but their effectiveness in the presence of TMA is questionable. It has been proven that anticoagulants use in critically ill patients with COVID-19 for prevention of large vessel thrombosis is effective, but their role in the prevention of microthrombosis is not clear. Here we review the currently available information on thrombotic microangiopathy, as well as a review of literature data describing TMA-like conditions in COVID-19, discuss potential pathophysiology of the condition development and proposed therapeutic approaches. © Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction 2021.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: Definition, risks with different vaccines, and the regulators’ responses

After the vaccination campaign initiation in Europe and the UK, reports of rare cases of atypical thrombosis, including sinus vein thrombosis and splanchnic venous thrombosis, began to appear in association with the use of AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1) and J&J/Janssen adenovirus vector vaccines. The syndrome called VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia) is manifested as thrombosis simultaneously with decreased platelet count, significantly increased D-dimer levels and detected anti-factor 4 platelet (PF4) antibodies. We present a detailed review on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnostics and treatment of VITT, which by its nature is an immune complication similar to the processes occurring in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). All international and national organizations and regulatory authorities, including experts in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis and the VITT expert council recommend continuing the prompt mass vaccination against COVID-19 as the only method able to reduce the incidence of severe cases, stop the spread of COVID-19 infection and emergence of new dangerous mutations in the viral genome. Failure to vaccinate poses an incomparably greater risk of fatal thrombotic and inflammatory complications associated with infections, compared with the risks of extremely rare adverse events that can occur after vaccination. It should be noted that information on VITT, described as a sporadic phenomenon of abnormal immune response to some variants of vaccines against COVID-19, cannot be translated to other vaccines (including those registered in the Russian Federation) and, moreover, cannot be a reason to refuse their administration. © 2021 Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. All rights reserved.

Thrombotic storm, hemostasis disorders and thromboinflammation in COVID-19

The rate of thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been increasing in COVID-19 patients. Key features related to such condition include minimal or no risk of bleeding, moderate thrombocytopenia, high plasma fibrinogen as well as increased complement components level in the areas of thrombotic microangiopathy. The clinical picture is not typical for classic DIC. This review systematizes the pathogenetic mechanisms of hypercoagulation in sepsis and its extreme forms in patients with COVID-19. The latter consist of the thrombosis-related immune mechanisms, the complement activation, the macrophage activation syndrome, the formation of antiphospholipid antibodies, the hyperferritinemia, and the dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Taking into consideration the pathogenetic mechanisms, the biomarkers had been identified related to the prognosis of the disease development. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and other risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and aging pose the peak risk of dying from COVID-19. We also summarize new data on platelet and endothelial dysfunction, immunothrombosis, and, as a result, thrombotic storm as essential components of COVID-19 severe features. © 2021 Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. All rights reserved.

Macrophage activation syndrome in COVID-19

The novel coronavirus epidemic is characterized by high rates of morbidity and relatively high mortality. Laboratory test results in patients include leukopenia, an increase in liver function tests and ferritin levels reaching hundreds, and sometimes thousands of units. These data remind us about the macrophage activation syndrome (MAC). Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome, MAC, which pathogenesis is based on a defect in the mechanisms of T-cell cytotoxicity and decreased level of natural killer cells associated with the defect in the perforin-encoding gene as well as hyperproduction of a number of cytokines - interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, etc. by T-lymphocytes and histiocytes, indirectly leading to the activation of macrophages and production of proinflammatory cytokines, in particular IL-6 hyperproduction. MAC is one of "hyperferritinemic syndromes". These disorders have similar clinical and laboratory manifestations, and they also respond to similar treatments, suggesting that hyperferritinemia may be involved in the overall pathogenesis and is characterized by elevated ferritin level and cytokine storm. Despite the fact that data on the immune and inflammatory status in patients with COVID-19 have only started to appear, it is already clear that hyperinflammation and coagulopathy affect the disease severity and increase the risk of death in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, understanding the pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus infection can help in its early diagnostics and treatment.

Features of nervous system damage in antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune process that increases the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. The mechanism of damage to the central nervous system (CNS) can be not only due to thrombosis, but also antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) circulating in the peripheral blood. The latter can damage the cerebral vascular endothelium, alter the resistance of the blood-brain barrier and penetrate into the central nervous system, exerting a damaging effect on astroglia and neurons, as evidenced by the release of neurospecific proteins into the peripheral bloodstream. The role of APS in developing cerebral ischemia, migraine, epilepsy, chorea, transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment and mental disorders, as well as the peripheral nervous system is described. It should also be noted about a role of APS for emerging neurological disorders in COVID-19, enabled apart from thrombogenesis due to APA via 2 potential mechanisms - molecular mimicry and neoepitope formation. Further study of the APS pathogenesis and interdisciplinary interaction are necessary to develop effective methods for patient management.

Neutrophil extracellular traps: A role in inflammation and dysregulated hemostasis as well as in patients with COVID-19 and severe obstetric pathology

Numerous studies have proven a close relationship between inflammatory diseases and the state of hypercoagulability. In fact, thromboembolic complications represent one of the main causes of disability and mortality in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer and obstetric complications. Despite this, the processes of hemostasis and immune responses have long been considered separately;currently, work is underway to identify the molecular basis for a relationship between such systems. It has been identified that various pro-inflammatory stimuli are capable of triggering a coagulation cascade, which in turn modulates inflammatory responses. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are the networks of histones of extracellular DNA generated by neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli. The hemostasis is activated against infection in order to minimize the spread of infection and, if possible, inactivate the infectious agent. Another molecular network is based on fibrin. Over the last 10 years, there has been accumulated a whole body of evidence that NETs and fibrin are able to form a united network within a thrombus, stabilizing each other. Similarities and molecular cross-reactions are also present in the processes of fibrinolysis and lysis of NETs. Both NETs and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are involved in thrombosis as well as inflammation. During the development of these conditions, a series of events occurs in the microvascular network, including endothelial activation, NETs formation, vWF secretion, adhesion, aggregation, and activation of blood cells. The activity of vWF multimers is regulated by the specific metalloproteinase ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13). Studies have shown that interactions between NETs and vWF can lead to arterial and venous thrombosis and inflammation. In addition, the contents released from activated neutrophils or NETs result in decreased ADAMTS-13 activity, which can occur in both thrombotic microangiopathies and acute ischemic stroke. Recently, NETs have been envisioned as a cause of endothelial damage and immunothrombosis in COVID-19. In addition, vWF and ADAMTS-13 levels predict COVID-19 mortality. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics and interactions of NETs, vWF, and ADAMTS-13, the effect of NETs on hemostasis regulation and discuss their role in thrombotic conditions, sepsis, COVID-19, and obstetric complications.

The effect of various types of anticoagulant therapy on the reduction of mortality in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that, in severe course, leads to the development of a cytokine storm, systemic inflammatory response and coagulopathy. Unlike other sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, COVID-19 induced coagulopathy is realized mainly in thrombosis. Researchers around the world are currently developing adequate diagnostic, monitoring and anticoagulant therapy approaches to safely and effectively manage patients with severe COVID-19. The need to develop laboratory monitoring is due to the fact that 20% of patients have changes in hemostasis indicators, while in patients with a severe form of the disease, they are present in 100% of cases. In case of deaths from COVID-19, there is an increase in the concentration of D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation products. Thus, the severity of hemostasis disorders has an important prognostic value. Anticoagulant therapy is included in the list of all recommendations as an effective means of reducing mortality from COVID-19. The questions of the recommended groups and doses of anticoagulant drugs are still open. The approach to the choice of an anticoagulant should be based not only on risk factors, characteristics of the course of the disease, anamnesis, but also on the wishes of the patient during long-term therapy at the post-hospital stage.

Anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumor properties of heparins

Our knowledge regarding chemical structure and properties of heparin and its derivatives, including biological properties in blood plasma, on the cell surface and while interacting with receptors, has been progressively growing. New insights are followed by the expansion of therapeutic opportunities and indications for the use of heparins. There are prerequisites for the creation of new generation drugs with modified properties that reduce a bleeding risk while applied for a non-anticoagulant goal. The non-anticoagulant heparin properties allow to consider it as a candidate for pathogenetic treatment of patients with COVID-19. This review focuses on the anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant heparin properties as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Regarding the evidence-based use of micronized progesterone

An issue of habitual miscarriage poses a high social importance especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, healthcare workers faced a mass media campaign against using micronized progesterone upon habitual miscarriage, which, as viewed by us, displays signs of prejudiced data manipulation and may disorient practitioners. In this Letter we provide objective information on accumulated data regarding gestagenes efficacy and safety. We invoke healthcare professionals to make decisions deserving independent primary source trust presented by original scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals, clinical recommendations proposed by professional medical communities as well as treatment standards and protocols.

Septic shock

Recently, it has been increasingly apparent that sepsis and septic shock become a pressing issue. Over the last decade, incidence rate of sepsis in obstetrics and gynecology has been increased by more than 2-fold. Here we review clinical forms of septic conditions, risk factors, pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock, as well as major pathogens resulting in septic conditions. Special attention is paid to neonatal sepsis. The relationship between septic shock and viral infections is considered in the context of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Impaired hemostasis is discussed in patients with septic shock, including those with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). An importance of assessing ADAMTS-13 level to refine disease prognosis is discussed.

Laboratory monitoring of COVID-19 patients and importance of coagulopathy markers

The pandemic of a novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 has become a real challenge to the mankind and medical community and has raised a number of medical and social issues. Based on the currently available information on COVID-19 clinical cases, it follows that COVID-19 patients in critical condition exhibit a clinical picture of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), septic shock with developing multiple organ failure, which justifies use of anticoagulant therapy in COVID-19 patients. In addition to isolating virus RNA from biological material and polymerase chain reaction diagnostics, use of simple and easily accessible laboratory blood markers is necessary for management of COVID-19 patients. If the activation of coagulation processes is sufficient enough, consumption of platelets and blood clotting factors can be diagnosed by laboratory methods as prolongation of routine blood clotting tests and increasing thrombocytopenia. Hyperfibrinogenemia, increased D-dimer level, prolonged prothrombin time, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, leukocytopenia, increased concentration of interleukin-6 and ferritin are observed in most COVID-19 patients. The degree of increase in these changes correlates with severity of the inflammatory process and serves as a prognostically unfavorable sign. Here we discuss value of laboratory monitoring playing an essential role in such pathological crisis that contributes to patient screening, diagnosis as well as further monitoring, treatment and rehabilitation.