Researchers in Belgium Find That Most with Long COVID Exhibit Hypercoagulability and Endothelial Dysfunction
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 26, 2025 21 hours, 18 minutes ago
Medical News: Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS), often referred to as "long COVID," is an emerging health issue impacting millions globally. Individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 continue to report debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive issues, and reduced physical capacity for months or even years after their initial illness. Recent studies indicate that Long COVID may stem from a combination of endothelial dysfunction and coagulation irregularities. Researchers from the Laboratory of Hematology, Clinical Research Unit, and Laboratory of Immunology at CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles in Brussels, Belgium, collaborated on a study to unravel these mechanisms.
Researchers in Belgium Find That Most with Long COVID Exhibit Hypercoagulability and Endothelial Dysfunction
This
Medical News report highlights their findings, focusing on hypercoagulability - where the blood's tendency to clot is heightened - and endothelial dysfunction, which affects the inner lining of blood vessels. The study offers insights into the ongoing challenges faced by those with Long COVID.
The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Long COVID
Long COVID has brought attention to the intricate role of the vascular system in post-infection health. The research team examined plasma samples from 97 PCS patients using advanced laboratory techniques such as thrombin generation tests and the measurement of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ADAMTS13 activity. These biomarkers are critical in regulating blood clotting and vascular health.
Their findings revealed that PCS patients exhibit elevated thrombin production, especially in the presence of thrombomodulin, a protein that regulates clot formation. Thrombin generation is a key factor in the coagulation process, and increased levels indicate a heightened risk for blood clot-related complications. This hypercoagulable state is believed to contribute to the lingering symptoms seen in Long COVID patients, including cognitive dysfunction and exercise intolerance.
Investigating Coagulation Markers
The study also explored the VWF/ADAMTS13 axis, a delicate balance essential for proper blood flow. While most Long COVID patients demonstrated normal ratios of these markers, 11.3% of participants had elevated VWF/ADAMTS13 ratios, a condition associated with older age and potentially increased thrombotic risk. These individuals showed signs of endothelial stress, which may drive the persistence of PCS symptoms. Elevated ratios in these patients also correlated with brain imaging findings of hypoperfusion, particularly in the frontal lobes, suggesting a link to cognitive impairments.
Key Study Findings
-Thrombin Generation: Long COVID patients displayed increased thrombin production, particularly in response to thrombomodulin. This indicates a resistance to the natural anticoagulant effects of the protein C system, which could lead to ongoing clotting issues.
gt;
-VWF and ADAMTS13 Activity: Although most patients had normal levels, 11.3% exhibited abnormal VWF/ADAMTS13 ratios, suggesting a subset of PCS patients may face heightened vascular risks.
-Age and Risk Factors: Older PCS patients were more likely to have elevated VWF/ADAMTS13 ratios, highlighting the potential for age-related vulnerability in vascular health during PCS.
-Cognitive and Physical Symptoms: Elevated thrombotic markers were linked to symptoms such as brain fog and reduced exercise tolerance. Brain imaging supported these findings, showing reduced blood flow in critical areas like the frontal lobes.
Implications for Future Research and Treatment
The study's results underscore the importance of monitoring vascular health in PCS patients, particularly in older populations or those showing persistent symptoms. By identifying individuals with abnormal coagulation profiles or endothelial dysfunction, healthcare providers can target these risks more effectively. Potential interventions may include antithrombotic therapies or strategies to improve endothelial health.
Conclusions
This comprehensive study sheds light on the complex interplay between hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction in PCS. While most patients demonstrate normalized coagulation markers over time, a significant subset continues to experience elevated thrombotic risks, contributing to the persistence of PCS symptoms. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing targeted treatments and improving quality of life for affected individuals.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: The Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/3/789
For the latest on Long COVID, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/stellenbosch-university-study-finds-that-long-covid-is-caused-by-the-increased-levels-of-six-inflammatory-molecules-triggering-thrombotic-endotheliiti
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/must-read-covid-19-is-nothing-but-a-microvascular-and-endothelial-disease-that-kills-fast-or-slowly-depending-on-the-human-host-health-status
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/uk-study-finds-that-even-mild-cases-of-covid-19-have-higher-risk-of-venous-thromboembolism-or-clots-in-the-veins-with-potential-fatal-outcomes
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-covid-19-news-university-of-california-study-finds-that-the-toxic-spike-proteins-of-sars-cov-2-causes-vascular-leaks-that-leads-to-various-is
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/long-covid-19-news-brazil-study-finds-persistent-hematological-changes-in-long-covid-individuals-up-to-985-days
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/university-of-texas-study-findings-validates-that-sars-cov-2-spike-protein-causes-endothelial-vascular-dysfunction
Share
Tweet
Share
