A new theory proposes an imbalance of blood proteins involved in the immune system and in blood clotting networks leads to inflammation that contributes to the development of psychosis.
A new case study reveals a link between COVID-19 and clotting in blood vessels in the brain that results in an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Five of the six cases included in the study suffered an ischemic stroke within 8-24 days of the onset of coronavirus symptoms. Early use of anticoagulants might help reduce the risk of blood clotting and stroke in patients with COVID-19.
Abnormal blood clotting contributes to death in some patients with severe COVID-19 infections. The abnormal blood clotting caused micro-clots within the lungs. Those with higher levels of blood clotting activity were significantly more likely to require ICU admission. Findings reveal an association with a unique type of blood clotting disorder that primarily focuses within the lung and contributes to higher levels of mortality in coronavirus cases.
Higher levels of plasmin, an enzyme involved in blood clotting prevention, enhances the virulence and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by cleaving its spike proteins. Enhanced levels of plasmin are common in a range of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. The findings shed light on why those with hypertension and diabetes are at increased risk of complications following coronavirus infection.
Schwann cells help protect nerves against blood clotting factors that cause degeneration, researchers report.
