Relation between Cytokine Levels and Pulmonary Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• COVID-19 is associated with significant pulmonary dysfunction and systemic inflammation.
• Serum cytokine profiles and hematological markers are implicated in disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum cytokine levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hematological parameters with pulmonary dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
• To identify potential biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 severity and progression.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study including 100 COVID-19 patients (moderate and severe) and 50 healthy controls.
• Assessed serum levels of CRP, Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and IL-35.
• Measured white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts.
• Utilized chest computed tomography (CT) and the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) score.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 patients showed elevated WBC counts and serum levels of CRP and all measured cytokines compared to controls.
• Severe COVID-19 cases had higher WBC, CRP, and IL-6 levels than moderate cases; lymphocytes were significantly lower in severe cases.
• CO-RADS score positively correlated with WBC, CRP, and cytokine levels, and showed differential correlation with lymphocyte counts based on disease severity.
• IL-6 was identified as a strong predictor of severe COVID-19, while IL-1β, IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35 were predictors for moderate cases.

Conclusions:

• Elevated CRP, WBC counts, and specific cytokine profiles, particularly IL-6, alongside reduced lymphocyte counts, are indicative of severe COVID-19 and pulmonary involvement.
• These markers serve as valuable surrogate indicators for assessing lung affection and pneumonia severity in COVID-19 patients.
• The findings support the use of these biomarkers in monitoring disease progression and guiding therapeutic strategies.