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

Abstract

<p>Objective<br></p><p>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.</p><p>Methods<br></p><p>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.</p><p>Results<br></p><p>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.</p><p>Conclusions<br></p><p>IL-6 and CRP were the strongest predictors of severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.<br><br></p>