Table 1.

Possible mechanisms of COVID-19-associated thrombocytopenia (modified from [103])

Platelet activation and subsequent clearance by reticuloendothelial system − Activation by increased thrombin generation and consumptive coagulopathy − Direct viral-platelet interaction activation −associated with formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates − FcR-mediated interaction with immune complexes

Platelet clearance due to increased endothelial damage − Pulmonary vasculature-specific − Widespread damage

Platelet autoantibody formation, with subsequent platelet clearance

Splenic/hepatic sequestration Marrow/megakaryocyte suppression − Due to inflammatory response − Due to direct viral infection − Due to reduced thrombopoietin