Investigating the Status of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients with Mild COVID-19

Background and Objective: COVID-19 disease has various manifestations, such as fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, body pain, and loss of consciousness. This disease may cause coagulation disorders and therefore an increase in thromboembolic events in these patients. This study examines the status of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) in such patients, as one of the factors of increased coagulability. Materials and Methods: This case-control study examined anti-phospholipid antibodies (including lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibody, and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein antibody) in 60 patients with definite mild COVID-19. Patients were included in the study if they met the inclusion criteria. The blood samples of the studied subjects were analyzed in the unit's laboratory. The patients' sample results were compared to those of 60 healthy individuals who were matched in terms of age and gender. Results: The mean age scores of the case and control groups were 48.54±15.29 and 46.91±16.71 years, respectively (P=0.57). In case group, the Anti-β2GPI (IgG and IgM) test was positive in two patients (P=0.578 and P=0.346). The LAC test was positive in 3 patients and 2 controls (P=0.57). Anti-cardiolipin antibodies was positive in 4 patients (IgG in 1 patient and IgM in 3 patients), compared to the control group in 1 patient (P=0.004). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the prevalence of aPL was higher in patients with mild COVID-19 than in healthy individuals. Considering the role of aPL in thrombosis, it may increase the coagulability conditions in these patients.