OBJECTIVE
To assess the level of platelet apoptosis markers (phosphatidylserine and calreticulin) under anticoagulation for COVID-19 infection.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study included 370 patients. They were divided into 3 groups depending on anticoagulation: group 1 (n=190) — low molecular weight heparin (LMWH); group 2 (n=123) — unfractionated heparin (UFH); group 3 (n=57) — direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We assessed clinical and anamnestic data, laboratory parameters, specific markers of apoptosis (phosphatidylserine and calreticulin). To identify cases of VTECs, Doppler ultrasound of lower limb veins was performed.
RESULTS
At the end of anticoagulation, serum calreticulin and phosphatidylserine were higher only in patients taking LMWH (group 1). C-reactive protein decreased in all groups (p=0.135), but serum ferritin and procalcitonin were lower in patients taking LMWH (group 1). The lowest serum fibrinogen was observed in patients taking LMWH. Patients receiving UFH were characterized by higher incidence of isolated pulmonary embolism without deep vein thrombosis (11.4% of cases), DVT and PE with a source in the lower extremities (6.5% and 6.5% of cases, respectively) compared to patients taking LMWH (1.6%, 1.1%, and 0.5% of cases, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Increased apoptosis markers (phosphatidylserine and calreticulin) were found in patients receiving VTEC prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin. Baseline serum phosphatidylserine >62.75 pg/ml reduces the risk of VTEC by 1.033 times (1.005—1.062, p=0.02). Decrease in pro-inflammatory markers (CRP, ferritin) and coagulation markers (D-dimer and fibrinogen) was more significant in patients receiving LMWH.