COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND HEMATOLOGICAL DISEASES

Abstract

COVID-19 is a systemic infection with significant effects on the hematopoietic system and hemostasis. Lymphopenia can be considered as a cardinal laboratory sign with prognostic potential. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the peak platelet/lymphocyte ratio may also be of prognostic value in determining severe cases. In addition, blood hypercoagulability is common among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Elevated levels of D-dimer are consistently reported, while their gradual increase during the course of the disease is particularly associated with worsening of the disease. Thus, patients infected with COVID-19, both hospitalized and outpatients, have a high risk of exacerbation of hematological diseases, therefore, early rehabilitation and diagnosis of this pathology is strongly recommended.