Scientists at Columbia University in the United States concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus affects not only the respiratory tract, but also many other organs, so COVID-19 should not be considered only as a respiratory disease. The review, which reveals all the dangerous syndromes that infection causes, is published in the journal Nature Medicine.
According to the authors, the coronavirus can cause thrombotic complications associated with increased blood clotting, myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmia, acute coronary syndromes, acute kidney damage, gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatocellular insufficiency, hyperglycemia and ketosis, as well as neurological disorders, eye and skin damage. Scientists note a very high rate of patients (5-10 percent) who require dialysis. Neurological symptoms occur in 1/3 of all patients.
The variety of symptoms is explained by the fact that to infect cells, the coronavirus binds to the ACE2 cell receptor, which is expressed by many tissues outside the lungs. The virus causes direct damage to cells, which causes numerous disorders and syndromes. Thus, increased blood clotting and the occurrence of blood clots can be a consequence of the pathogen’s attack on the cells lining the blood vessels. In addition, a violation of the immune system also contributes. However, the mechanism of heart damage is still unclear, although it is assumed that a key role is played by systemic inflammation.
To combat complications caused by severe COVID-19, experts recommend using anticoagulants, steroids (for example, dexamethasone) to suppress the immune system and inflammatory processes.
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