COVID-19 and renal involvement; evolving role of thromboinflammation, vascular and glomerular disease in the pathogenesis

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the currently prevailing pandemic that has besieged the whole world, is caused by a novel coronavirus, named as, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Initially, there was a focus on respiratory disease, which was and is the most predominant presentation. However, with increasing spread of the infection and consequent increasing knowledge and experience about the disease, it has become apparent that the virus has wide-ranging effects on other organs and systems, including heart, blood, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. A variety of mechanisms are involved in viral damage of these organs. Blood vessels, particularly the microvasculature, and blood clotting systems are also frequently targeted by the virus, especially in severe cases. This review narrates the available evidence on the mechanisms underlying hypercoagulability and thrombotic tendency in COVID-19 disease.