The dysregulated release of cytokines has been identified as one of the key factors behind
poorer outcomes in COVID-19. This “cytokine storm” produces an excessive inflammatory
and immune response, especially in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory distress (ARDS),
pulmonary edema and multi-organ failure. Alleviating this inflammatory state is crucial to
improve prognosis. Pro-inflammatory factors play a central role in COVID-19 severity,
especially in patients with comorbidities. In these situations, an overactive, untreated …

System in New York between 21 March and 28 April 2020. Serum levels of four inflammatory
cytokines were analysed upon admission with a rapid multiplex test: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8,
tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and IL-1b. These results were correlated with clinical and
laboratory markers of disease severity and with clinical outcome.• Patients were followed
from the day of hospitalization to the day of discharge or death (median 8 days). IL-6, IL-8,
and TNF-a were significantly (P< 0.0001) elevated in COVID-19 patients compared to …