The COVID-19 Cytokine Storm; What We Know So Far

The COVID-19 Cytokine Storm; What We Know So Far

16 June 2020 | Dina Ragab, Haitham Salah Eldin, Mohamed Taeimah, Rasha Khattab, Ramy Salem
COVID-19, a rapidly spreading global pandemic, is primarily transmitted through droplets or direct contact and affects the respiratory tract, often leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in about 15% of cases. The mortality rate is linked to the "cytokine storm," characterized by excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which exacerbates ARDS and causes multi-organ failure. Targeting cytokines during treatment could improve survival rates. The virus, SARS-CoV-2, spreads through respiratory droplets and can be transmitted even without direct contact. Adults, especially those with pre-existing conditions, are more vulnerable. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with some patients progressing to severe cases requiring mechanical ventilation. Laboratory findings often show lymphopenia and elevated inflammatory markers. The cytokine storm, involving IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and interferon, leads to tissue damage and multi-organ failure. Early recognition and treatment with biological agents like IL-1 receptor antagonist and tocilizumab are crucial for managing the cytokine storm and reducing mortality.COVID-19, a rapidly spreading global pandemic, is primarily transmitted through droplets or direct contact and affects the respiratory tract, often leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in about 15% of cases. The mortality rate is linked to the "cytokine storm," characterized by excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which exacerbates ARDS and causes multi-organ failure. Targeting cytokines during treatment could improve survival rates. The virus, SARS-CoV-2, spreads through respiratory droplets and can be transmitted even without direct contact. Adults, especially those with pre-existing conditions, are more vulnerable. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with some patients progressing to severe cases requiring mechanical ventilation. Laboratory findings often show lymphopenia and elevated inflammatory markers. The cytokine storm, involving IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and interferon, leads to tissue damage and multi-organ failure. Early recognition and treatment with biological agents like IL-1 receptor antagonist and tocilizumab are crucial for managing the cytokine storm and reducing mortality.
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