IL-6 and other biomarkers as predictors of severity in COVID-19

Abstract

AbstractObjective Cytokine release syndrome is suggested to be the most important mechanism triggering acute respiratory distress syndrome and end organ damage in COVID-19. The severity of disease may be measured by different biomarkers.Methods We studied markers of inflammation and coagulation as recorded in 29 patients on admission to the hospital in order to identify markers of severe COVID-19 and need of ICU.Results Patients who were eventually admitted to ICU displayed significantly higher serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin. No statistical differences were found between the groups in median levels of lymphocytes, D-dimer or ferritin.Conclusions IL-6 and CRP were the strongest predictors of severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• interleukin
• interferon
• inflammatory phase
• tocilizumab
• cytokine storm