Hematolological manifestations of COVID-19: From cytopenia to coagulopathy

Abstract

Emerging data from the management of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) suggests multisystemic involvement, including the hemopoietic system. The hematological manifestations of COVID‐19 include blood count anomalies notably lymphopenia and neutrophilia which are of prognostic significance. Hyperferritinemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase have also been associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, there is considerable evidence of a distinct coagulopathy associated with COVID‐19 characterised by elevated D‐dimers and an increased risk of thrombotic events. This comprehensive review summarises the latest evidence from published studies and discusses the implications of the various hematological manifestations of COVID‐19 with a view to guiding clinical management and risk stratification in this rapidly evolving pandemic.