SARS-CoV-2 and Autoimmune Cytopenia

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with a variety of clinical manifestations related to viral tissue damage, as well as a virally induced immune response. Hyperstimulation of the immune system can serve as a trigger for autoimmunity. Several immune-mediated manifestations have been described in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) are the most common hematologic autoimmune disorders seen in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia is a unique autoimmune hematologic cytopenia associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. This paper will review the current literature on the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination with autoimmune cytopenias and the clinical course of autoimmune cytopenias in patients with COVID-19.