Is there any relationship between Antiphospholipid Antibody and COVID-19?

Introduction and Aim: Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) and rise in antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) has been linked to the development of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in COVID-19. But still controversies exist regarding the increase in APLA in COVID-19. Hence, the present study aimed to estimate the levels of APLA in COVID patients and its relationship with the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: 40 RT PCR positive COVID-19 cases and normal control were recruited for the study. Biochemical and hematological findings were compared in both the groups. COVID-19 patients were further subdivided into survivor Vs non-survivor and based upon the CT findings of thorax they were grouped with vs without CT findings. Results: CRP, PCT, ESR were found to be significantly increased in COVID-19 patients. IgM & IgG APLA antibody (3.02±1.32 U/ml & 3.54±1.85 U/ml) were found to be within normal range in COVID cases. APLA did not show any correlation with serum ferritin, CRP, PCT, N/L ratio and MPV in COVID-19. No statistical difference was seen in the levels of APLA when compared in non-survivors vs survivors. Even APLA was within normal range in the patients who presented with pulmonary embolism (PE), venous thromboembolism (VTE) and succumbed to the disease. Serum ferritin and neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio was found to be significantly higher in non-survivors. Conclusion: Hence, in our study APLA was within normal range and was not related to the severity of the disease. © 2021, Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists. All rights reserved.