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Serum IL-6: A potential biomarker of mortality among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Mexico
Azalia Avila-Nava1, Arturo Cortes-Telles1, Darwin Torres-Erazo1
1Regional High Speciality Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula (HRAEPY), Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
Background:
The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico was reported in February 2020, since then, high rates of mortality due to COVID-19 have been found. Cytokine storm is linked to the severity and decreasing the survival among infected patients by COVID-19. The serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been correlated to mortality in COVID-19 cases and could be used as indicator of mortality in COVID-19 cases. The aim of this study was to determine levels of IL-6 and assess its usefulness as indicator of mortality among COVID-19 patients from Mexico.
Methods:
A cohort study among 38 adults (28 men, 10 women) was carried out in the Regional High Specialty Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Demographic and clinical biochemistry data were collected. The serum levels of IL-6 were measured in each patient by specific immunoassays.
Results:
High frequency of mortality (36.84%) was found in the sample. The average age of individuals that non-survive was significantly higher (59.71 ± 13.83 years) than the survival group (43.29 ± 11.80 years). Serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in patients that did not survive. A correlation between IL-6 levels with lymphocyte count, LDH, CRP and procaciltonin was found. The optimal cutoff value of IL-6 was 30.95 pg/mL with high sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate that level of IL-6 is an indicator of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Mexico.
Insights
High Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels indicate mortality risk in Mexican COVID-19 patients. This cytokine storm marker can predict survival outcomes in hospitalized individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mexico reported its first SARS-CoV-2 case in February 2020, experiencing high COVID-19 mortality rates.
- Cytokine storm, characterized by elevated Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, is linked to COVID-19 severity and reduced survival.
- IL-6 serum levels have shown correlation with mortality in COVID-19 cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in Mexican COVID-19 patients.
- To assess the utility of IL-6 as a mortality indicator in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted with 38 adult COVID-19 patients at a regional hospital in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
- Demographic and clinical biochemistry data were collected.
- Serum IL-6 levels were quantified using specific immunoassays.
Main Results:
- A high mortality rate of 36.84% was observed.
- Non-survivors were significantly older than survivors.
- Significantly higher serum IL-6 levels were found in non-survivors, correlating with lymphocyte count, LDH, CRP, and procalcitonin.
- An optimal IL-6 cutoff value of 30.95 pg/mL demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for mortality prediction.
Conclusions:
- Serum IL-6 levels serve as a significant indicator of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Mexico.
- IL-6 measurement can aid in assessing prognosis and patient outcomes.
