The finding that platelet NO/ROS production imbalance contributes to the elevated risk of thrombotic events in COVID-19 has important clinical implications.

Restoration of platelet NO production, as well as attenuation of ROS production by antioxidants, NO donors, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, or statins (shown to increase endothelial NO production), may all improve the NO/ROS equilibrium in patients with COVID-19 and prevent thrombotic complications. Thus, the platelet may be a key therapeutic target in COVID-19 beyond anti-thrombotic treatment.

COVID-19 infection, especially in its severe presentations, has been associated with high incidence of venous and arterial thrombotic complications, mainly venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke.

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