Scientists have identified a blood cytokine profile that could help in the identification of patients with COVID-19 at risk of experiencing a potentially life-threatening immune-mediated hyperinflammatory state, better known as a 'cytokine storm'.
Researchers at the University of Southampton analysed blood samples from 100 COVID-19-positive patients hospitalised between 20 March and 29 April 2020.
The findings published in the journal Respiratory Research showed that elevated levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor, IL-1ß and IL-33 in the blood at the time of admission were associated with an increased risk of requiring intensive care, artificial ventilation and of mortality. The risk was most pronounced for IL-1ß and IL-33.
A blood test for the five cytokines combined with clinical assessment could help doctors identify individuals who have the highest risk of deteriorating. Such patients can be consequently directed towards trials of specific therapies that could modify their immune systems’ responses.
Professor Tom Wilkinson who led the study said: "It is increasingly apparent that COVID is highly heterogeneous. Only by applying these techniques to stratify the condition will we be able to target the key mechanisms of disease with the best treatment for that individual."
