Interplay of COVID-19 and physiological dysfunctions

• Main Authors: Yu-Hsiu Chang, Chih-Heng Huang, Po-Shiuan Hsieh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Chinese Journal of Physiology
• Subjects: covid-19; sars-cov-2; physiological dysfunction
• Online Access: http://www.cjphysiology.org/article.asp?issn=0304-4920;year=2020;volume=63;issue=6;spage=245;epage=249;aulast=Chang

The outbreak of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact the socioeconomic fabric and the general well-being of numerous populations and communities around the world. As cases continue to rise exponentially, gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology and the associated clinical implications of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, becomes increasingly necessary. In this article, we delineate the role of COVID-19 in physiological and immunological dysfunction. Specifically, we highlight the various possible mechanisms and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on major organ systems as well as their contribution toward multiorgan system failure. By analyzing studies and statistics regarding various comorbidities in COVID-19 patients, we make inferences on the linkage between COVID-19, immune injury, multiorgan system damage, and disease progression.