Title:The Effect of Aspirin on the Prevention of Pro-thrombotic States in Hospitalized
COVID-19 Patients: Systematic Review
Volume: 20
Issue: 3
Author(s): Masoumeh Abdi, Zahra Hoseini Lamardi, Fatemeh Shirjan, Leila Mohammadi, Sahel Shafiee Dolat Abadi, Nilofar Massoudi, Moein Zangiabadian*Mohammad Javad Nasiri*
Affiliation:
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Keywords:
Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, thrombosis, SARS-COV-2, COVID-19, pro-thrombotic.
Abstract:
Introduction: Thromboembolic events are one of the important complications in
COVID-19 patients, especially in severe cases. Aspirin affects platelet function by irreversibly
inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity, reducing the risk of thrombosis. The current systematic review
aimed to evaluate aspirin's effectiveness in preventing pro-thrombotic states in COVID-19 hospitalized
patients.
Methods: The systematic search was done in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Medrxiv until
September 27, 2021. The following keywords were used: “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “2019
Novel Coronavirus”, “Aspirin,” and “Acetylsalicylic Acid.”
Results: Twelve studies were included. In COVID-19 patients, aspirin can reduce CRP, IL-6 levels,
and platelet aggregation by inhibiting thromboxane A2. It can also improve antiviral immunity
by hindering the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and lipoxin. Eight out of twelve articles indicated
that aspirin provided a beneficial effect on COVID-19. Most studies consider lowered mechanical
ventilation needs, ICU admission, illness severity, overt thrombosis, and clinical outcomes in
COVID-19 patients receiving aspirin.
Conclusion: Aspirin as an antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory agent may reduce the mortality rates
in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Further observational studies are necessary to
determine the effect of aspirin on the prevention of pro-thrombotic states in hospitalized COVID-
19 patients.