Pharmacological Agents Targeting Thromboinflammation in COVID-19: Review and Implications for Future Research

Thromb Haemost. 2020 Jul;120(7):1004-1024. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1713152. Epub 2020 May 30.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), currently a worldwide pandemic, is a viral illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The suspected contribution of thrombotic events to morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients has prompted a search for novel potential options for preventing COVID-19-associated thrombotic disease. In this article by the Global COVID-19 Thrombosis Collaborative Group, we describe novel dosing approaches for commonly used antithrombotic agents (especially heparin-based regimens) and the potential use of less widely used antithrombotic drugs in the absence of confirmed thrombosis. Although these therapies may have direct antithrombotic effects, other mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory or antiviral effects, have been postulated. Based on survey results from this group of authors, we suggest research priorities for specific agents and subgroups of patients with COVID-19. Further, we review other agents, including immunomodulators, that may have antithrombotic properties. It is our hope that the present document will encourage and stimulate future prospective studies and randomized trials to study the safety, efficacy, and optimal use of these agents for prevention or management of thrombosis in COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Glycosaminoglycans / therapeutic use
  • Hemostasis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Pandemics
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Thrombosis / complications
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy*
  • Thrombosis / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Anticoagulants
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Glycosaminoglycans
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • glucuronyl glucosamine glycan sulfate