Susan Louw; Barry Jacobson; Elizabeth Mayne; Tracey Wiggill
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-C0V-2 virus, was initially considered and managed in a similar manner to the previous SARS epidemic as they are both caused by coronaviruses. What has now become apparent is that a major cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 is abnormal
thrombosis. This thrombosis occurs on a macro- and microvascular level and is unique to this disease. The virus has been demonstrated in the endothelium of the pulmonary alveoli and as such is thought to contribute to
the devastating respiratory complications encountered. D-dimer concentrations are frequently raised in COVID to levels not frequently seen previously. The optimal anticoagulation treatment in COVID remains
to be determined, and the myriad of pathophysiologic effects caused by this virus in the human host have also yet to be fully elucidated.