key: cord-0957301-4dsn0xkp
authors: Becker, Richard C.; Gorog, Diana A.
title: International COVID-19 biomarkers colloquium
date: 2021-11-04
journal: J Thromb Thrombolysis
DOI: 10.1007/s11239-021-02601-5
sha: 87f07c9f705490961f7486546653297551f3be51
doc_id: 957301
cord_uid: 4dsn0xkp

nan

infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, it quickly became evident that the virus could affect any organ, including the circulatory system, either directly via tissue tropism or indirectly from inflammatory and immune responses, leukocyte debris such as cell-free DNA and histones, cellular vesicles and RNA viral particles.

COVID-19 predisposes to small, intermediate and large vessel thrombosis of the venous, arterial and microvascular systems. The initial cases of COVID-19 and subsequent experience highlighted marked elevations in several circulating biomarkers, including but not limited to d-dimer, interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII. The question posed was whether these biomarkers offered important diagnostic, prognostic and management insights for patient care.

The primary objective of the International COVID-19 Biomarkers (ICODE) group was to assemble experienced clinicians, clinician-scientists and translational scientists for open discussions about COVID-19. The specific aim was to focus discussions on early biomarkers of coagulation, fibrinolysis, platelet biology, vascular injury and diagnostic platforms on which a foundation for optimal patient care would emerge.

The ICODE group included 10 scholars experienced, active and engaged in the study of COVID-19. Members represented diverse disciplines in medicine, including cardiology, vascular medicine, hematology, platelet biology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. The group met virtually each month to discuss emerging information and topics of clinical relevance.

The inaugural undertaking was to draft a series of focused reviews on biomarkers of thrombosis during the acute stage of COVID-19 with an emphasis on including the best available evidence, understanding that the field would evolve rapidly, and updates would be required in the future. Each review included in this issue of the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis represents the contribution of each member of the ICODE group working collaboratively during an unprecedented time in human history.

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