Additionally, according to studies that the authors reference, more than 97% of people who doctors admitted to hospital for COVID-19 have raised levels of another protein called D-dimer.
D-dimer forms in the blood when a blood clot dissolves. Researchers found raised D-dimer levels in patients with severe disease, explain the authors of the review.
The more severe COVID-19 becomes, the more D-dimer levels increase, particularly in the case of patients who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
“In contrast, D-dimer levels decreased to control levels in [COVID-19] survivors or nonARDS patients,” write Dr. Ji and colleagues.
“The time [period] for the elevated D-dimer [to go] down in mild [cases] or survivors is dependent. Generally, it takes at least 1 week for mild [cases] but longer for severe patients,” says Dr. Ji, who is also the corresponding author of the study.
Therefore, conclude the authors, “The elevated plasmin(ogen) could be an independent factor for risk stratification of patients with COVID-19. Measurements of plasmin(ogen) levels and its enzymatic activity may be important biomarkers of disease severity in addition to resultant D-dimer.”
Studies that the authors reference used healthy mice and monkeys infected with SARS-CoV-2. The authors recommend that researchers carry out further studies in mice and monkeys with preexisting conditions and high plasmin levels to see if they go on to develop COVID-19, and to test potential new therapeutic agents.
“Targeting hyperfibrinolysis with a broad spectrum or specific anti-plasmin compounds may prove to be a promising strategy for improving the clinical outcome of patients with comorbid conditions.”
– Dr. Hong-Long Ji et al
For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.
