COVID-19 Experience in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cue for Therapeutic Heparin-Based Strategies?

Nephron. 2020;144(8):383-385. doi: 10.1159/000508638. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Abstract

In our opinion, the use of heparin could play a crucial role in these patients. In fact, recent studies have shown that heparin, the most commonly used anticoagulant during HD procedures, had anti-inflammatory properties and a direct antiviral action, due to its ability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry into host cells. These activities, together with its anticoagulant action, could explain the ability of heparin to ameliorate COVID-19 clinical course.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019; Hemodialysis; Heparin.

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Heparin / pharmacology
  • Heparin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy*
  • Renal Dialysis*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin