Is hemoglobin the missing link in the pathogenesis of COVID-19?

  • Amer Majeed Consultant Anesthesiologist, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Matloob Ashraf Shajar Consultant Anesthesiologist, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v24i1.1216
Keywords: Corona virus disease, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, ARDS, Hemoglobin

Abstract

This editorial considers studies which establish our current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and the indicated direction for treatment of COVID-19 patients and future research. Recent modelling studies point to the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on hemoglobin as a key element in understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19. This would suggest that the focus of treatment of COVID-19 would need to shift towards maintaining the oxygen carrying capacity of blood; potentially with blood transfusions and super-oxygenation, perhaps including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Further, early prevention of thromboembolism, and suppression of the immune response due to hemoglobin damage, may help contain the clinical course.

Citation: Majeed A, Shajar MA. Is hemoglobin the missing link in the pathogenesis of COVID-19? Anaesth pain intensive care 2020;24(1):9-12.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v24i1.1216

Received : 4 March 2020;

Reviewed & Accepted : 6 March 2020;

Published
05-07-2020
How to Cite
Majeed, A., & Shajar, M. (2020). Is hemoglobin the missing link in the pathogenesis of COVID-19?. Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care, 24(1), 9-12. https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v24i1.1216
Issue
Vol 24 No 1 (2020): January-February 2020
Section
Editorial Views