Thread by @ARC_Mount_Sinai

Millions worldwide are trapped in the aftermath of COVID-19: #LongCOVID. 😷

BUT here's a mind-blowing revelation—

Researchers are uncovering a hidden culprit behind its debilitating effects:

Blood Clotting. 🩸

Brace yourselves we're about to change how you see #LongCOVID!

The COVID-19 pandemic might be officially over, but millions of people worldwide are still dealing with the aftermath in the form of #LongCOVID.

This condition encompasses various symptoms that persist or appear after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Researchers estimate that more than 65 million people worldwide have #LongCOVID, yet there is currently no specific test or biomarker to diagnose the condition.

However, a group of scientists is working to change that.

Initially viewed as a respiratory disease, #Covid_19 has revealed other effects on the body.

Professor @resiapretorius and her team at Stellenbosch University noticed blood-related symptoms in #COVID patients, particularly severe clotting pathology.

The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to cause the formation of microclots & activate platelets in some individuals.

While most people break down these microclots within two weeks, #LongCOVID patients may have persistent microclots that damage blood vessels and impede organ functions.

The absence of a consistent test for #LongCOVID poses challenges for both researchers & patients seeking appropriate care.

Often, standard blood tests appear normal, leading some doctors to overlook the extent of #LongCOVID symptoms.

To address this issue, @resiapretorius and her collaborators, including @PutrinoLab from @MountSinaiRehab, aim to develop a better test that can identify individuals with high levels of #microclots, which could serve as a potential biomarker for #LongCOVID.

#Microclots and hyperactivated platelets are consistently observed in #LongCOVID patients but not in those who have never had COVID or have fully recovered.

Identifying these microclots could help determine the plausibility of #LongCOVID & pave the way for targeted treatments.

@RSilversteinMD, a hematologist, suggests that if #microclots are present in @LongCovid patients' blood but not in those without the condition,

they could be used as a marker for treatment studies and to evaluate the effectiveness of different therapies.

#LongCOVID #microclots differ from those seen in other diseases, such as Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura & Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

The unique composition of these microclots, formed by abnormal fibrin proteins, adds to the complexity of #LongCOVID research.

While progress is being made, the urgency of finding answers has led researchers like @resiapretorius to turn to unconventional methods, such as crowdfunding, to accelerate their studies.

This highlights the need for dedicated funding to advance the identification and diagnosis of #LongCovid .

Patients like @ahandvanish, who has been battling #LongCOVID since March 2020, emphasize the importance of designated funds and research initiatives to develop biomarkers and tests for Long COVID, rather than relying solely on individual efforts.

Understanding #LongCOVID and its impact on blood clotting is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and support for millions of affected individuals.

Further research and funding are essential to unravel the complexities of this condition and improve patient care.

🔍 TL;DR: #LongCOVID affects millions globally, with no specific test available.

Groundbreaking research reveals blood clotting as a key factor, potentially unlocking diagnosis and treatment possibilities. Let's shed light on this vital breakthrough. #LongCOVID #MicroClots

Full audio/article available here from @NPRShortWave

npr.org/2023/05/10/117…