The influence of prolonged high-adsorption membrane hemofiltration on the hemostatic system in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the effects of prolonged (24–72 h) high-adsorption membrane hemofiltration on the hemostatic system.Materials and methods. A retrospective study included 91 patients with COVID-19 who received prolonged high-adsorption membrane hemofiltration (Prismaflex system) as part of complex therapy. The group was divided into two subgroups, taking into account the outcome of the disease. We analyzed the level of D-dimer, fibrinogen, platelet count, percentage of large platelets, thromboelastogram indicators, reflecting external and internal coagulation pathways (Intem, Extem) before and after the procedure. The levels of serine proteases (tPA, PAI) were additionally analyzed in 35 cases.Results. An increase in the D-dimer level, accompanied by a decrease in the fibrinogen concentration, was detected after sorption, which was especially noticeable in patients with unfavorable outcome (by 2.8 times). The thromboelastogram parameters after the procedure did not go beyond the normal range, the level of tPA and PAI became lower in both subgroups but there was no connection with the outcome.Conclusion. Prolonged high-adsorption membrane hemofiltration in COVID-19 patients does not have a negative influence on hemostasis system. A decrease in fibrinogen level after the procedure is associated with its mechanical removal from the circulation because of fibrin adhesion on the filter’s membrane and on sets’ walls; an increase in the D-dimer level should not be associated with the detection of degradation of fibrin networks.