Abnormal blood clotting was found to be linked with adverse outcomes among severe COVID-19 patients according to a study by the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), conducted with support from the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). 

The study entitled, “Association of Abnormal Coagulation Parameters with Adverse Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Moderate to Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection Admitted in the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH),” led by Dr. Geraldine Zamora examined the association between thrombophilia or the increased tendency of blood clotting with adverse clinical outcomes for patients with severe COVID-19. Findings showed that severe cases of COVID-19 at the UP-PGH with coagulopathy or abnormal blood clotting recorded a 20% mortality rate, making blood clot complications life-threatening for patients. 

Dr. Zamora’s team found three main factors that contributed to the occurrence of coagulopathy: abnormal platelet count, low fibrinogen which is a protein used in forming blood clots, and elevated D-dimer which is a protein by-product of blood clots. 

The study may serve as a reference to further studies on coagulopathy in COVID-19, as well as in the improvement of current COVID-19 treatment and management regimen.

“This project is another testament of health research being a tool to provide Filipinos with better healthcare,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya. “Hopefully, this will also have applications in improving care for other diseases in the future,” he added. 

The project was conducted within a 15-month duration with PhP 4,996,947.20 funding from the DOST and the PCHRD.