Arushi Bidhuri
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Written By: Arushi Bidhuri | Published : July 28, 2021 9:53 PM IST
Cause of blood clot in covid patients
With each passing day, scientists are learning something or the other about Covid-19 and how it affects our system. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid, has become the cause of many mortalities across the world. The deadly coronavirus affects the respiratory system and causes symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath. However, it can have other consequences on your health. For example, it might induce gastrointestinal symptoms, loss of smell or taste, and even a toe rash in some people. Another possible COVID-19 negative effect is that it can cause blood clots in some people.
SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to cause significant blood clots in COVID-19 patients, as well as those who are otherwise asymptomatic. Experts believe that blood clots can be life-threatening if left untreated. But what is causing blood clots in Covid patients? But first, let us know how blood clots are formed.
Usually, blood clots form due to an injured blood vessel. It makes proteins that entice platelets and other clotting factors to stick together. This cluster together to form a clot, sealing the wound and allowing it to heal. However, sometimes blood clots form without an injury. COVID-19 blood clots are most common in persons who have been hospitalised with the condition. It can be dangerous because this clot restricts the blood flow within the vessels, and lead to further complications like a heart attack or stroke. So far, it is unclear why blood clots develop in people with Covid-19 but some studies have suggested some possible causes that may lead to the onset of blood clots in patients with coronavirus. A new study has found that abnormal antibody response could be the reason.
A new study published in the journal Blood has found that the antibodies sent to fight the infectious disease may activate superfluous platelet activity in the lungs, causing inflammation and blood clotting in particularly severe cases of Covid-19. Platelets are small blood cells that form clots to stop or prevent bleeding; however, if they don't work properly, they can cause serious health problems like stroke and heart attacks.
The researchers cloned antibodies made to combat the coronavirus's spike protein from people who had severe Covid-19 infection. Study authors at the Imperial College London discovered that the small sugars found on the surface of these antibodies were different from antibodies from healthy people and that when those cloned antibodies were introduced in a lab to blood cells taken from healthy donors, platelet activity increased.
They also discovered that treating blood with active elements from several drugs that are known to either impair platelet function, or immunological responses might lessen or halt platelets from behaving in this way in the lab. The findings suggest that medications presently used to treat immune system disorders may be able to limit or prevent cells from creating an excessive platelet response.
(with inputs from agencies)
