When it hits hard, COVID-19 kills in particular by causing lung damage and blood clots, according to a British study on the autopsy of ten people who have succumbed to the new coronavirus.
Exams post mortem and biopsies revealed that all study subjects, ranging in age from 22 to 97 years, had lung lesions that were typical of viral infection. The majority died within three weeks of the onset of symptoms.
Nine of them also had a blood clot in at least one major organ such as the heart, lung or kidney, while it was not possible to investigate thrombosis in the tenth individual.
The study, led at Imperial College, appeared in the scientific journal The Lancet Microbe. In the United Kingdom, it is the largest study of its kind to be unveiled since the start of the pandemic.
The authors say their findings are consistent with observations made by other researchers and doctors around the world who have treated patients very seriously affected by COVID-19.
These observations pointed in particular to pulmonary lesions and thrombosis as being prevalent characteristics in those suffering the most.
“Part of the search for effective treatments is an understanding of how the disease affects the body. The exam post mortem is essential in this regard, ”argues Dr.r Brian Hanley, who participated in the study.
In addition to lung injuries, all of the patients had kidney injuries that could lead to failure. Most, too, have suffered from T-cell depletion, a decrease in the number of these cells that are part of the immune system.
The autopsies shed light on other more unexpected complications in light of what is currently known about COVID-19. For example, two individuals suffered from inflammation of the pancreas. The study cannot say whether this was the result of the coronavirus or some other cause.
Note that the preconditions in the patients may have contributed to their death. The researchers write that the most common aggravating factors were high blood pressure and lung disease.
In the early stages of COVID-19, the ten people studied developed a fever and developed at least two respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, we can also read.
Scientists hope that their work will allow better care of patients in serious condition.
– with the QMI Agency
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