The clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Introduction: One of the factors that may aggravate the clinical presentation in COVID-19 is the increased level of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and thrombotic events that can be seen with the disease. In our retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of aPLs on the clinical findings in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19.

Methodology: Seventy-three patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and examined for aPLs were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the test results of aPLs. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared in both groups to reveal whether there was any difference between the groups.

Results: There were 15 patients with a positive aPLs test. Dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, and abdominal pain were significantly higher in the aPLs positive group than those with negative aPLs. The duration of hospital stays and the need for oxygen therapy of the patients in the aPLs positive group were significantly higher than the aPLs negative group. However, no difference was found between the two groups in terms of mechanical ventilation need, intensive care admission rate, thrombosis and mortality. In terms of laboratory findings, those with positive aPLs have higher median C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin values than those with negative aPLs.

Conclusions: In our study group, we could not find a relationship between aPLs positivity and critical complications. According to our hypothesis, it may not be necessary to routinely examine aPLs in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 to determine the risk of thromboembolic complications.

Keywords: COVID-19; antibodies; antiphospholipid; thrombosis.