Effect of favipiravir use on INR, PT, aPTT tests of COVID-19 patients

Abstract

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused millions of cases worldwide. As the pandemic progresses, understanding the effects of this disease remains important. We aimed to examine the hematological effects of the disease. The research was carried out as a retrospective study, 50 patients using favipiravir and 50 patients not using favipiravir who had positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test in nasal and throat swabs were included in the study. INR, PTT, aPTT tests were evaluated on all patients. Results of patients using favipiravir; INR 1.3±0.2, PT(s) 16.4±3.4, aPTT(s) 40.7±10.1, while the results of patients who did not use favipiravir were INR 1,2±0.2, PT(s) 14.6±2.5, aPTT(s) was found 38.4±7.8. While PT and INR were found to significantly higher in patients using favipiravir (p<0.05), the elevation in aPTT values was not significant. As a consequence, it was obtained that favipiravir prolongs the clotting time. In the light of these results, it is recommended to consider this in anticoagulant therapy used for treatment.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• favipiravir
• INR
• PT
• aPTT

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