Cytokine Levels in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 and Other Conditions

Study (n=46) found circulating cytokine (CK) levels that were lower compared with patients with bacterial sepsis and similar to other critically ill patients, suggesting COVID-19 may not be characterised by CK storm and thus unclear whether antiCK therapies will be of benefit.

SPS commentary:

According to an editorial, although the mechanisms of COVID-19–induced lung injury are still being elucidated, the term cytokine storm has become synonymous with its pathophysiology, both in scientific publications and the media. It notes that drugs such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, which are monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin (IL)-6 activity, are being used to treat patients; with trials of these agents typically citing the cytokine storm as their rationale, despite lack of  convincing data of their effectiveness in COVID-19. It calls for a critical evaluation of the term cytokine storm and its relevance to COVID-19. It concludes that although the term cytokine storm conjures up dramatic imagery and has captured the attention of the mainstream and scientific media, the current data do not support its use.

Journal of the American Medical Association