Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Dynamic Monitoring of Seroconversion using a Multianalyte Immunobead Assay for Covid-19
Published on: February 16, 2022
Cytokine Storm among Bangladeshi adults with COVID-19: A prospective cohort study
Monira Sarmin1,2, Fhameda Akter1, Anika Nawrin Islam1
1Clinical and Diagnostic Services, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
Cytokine storms (CS) significantly impact COVID-19 outcomes. In Bangladeshi adults, 37.5% of COVID-19 patients experienced CS, highlighting a critical public health concern during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Cytokine storms (CS) are linked to increased mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients.
- Understanding the prevalence of CS in specific populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence rate of cytokine storms among COVID-19 positive adults in Bangladesh.
- To analyze cytokine profiles and their correlation with disease severity and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study conducted from October 2020 to March 2022, including COVID-positive and COVID-negative adults.
- Cytokine storm defined by IL-6 levels >80 pg/mL or specific combinations of elevated CRP, ferritin, LDH, D-dimer, or low lymphocytes.
- Plasma samples analyzed for IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels.
Main Results:
- The study included 77 participants: 32 severe-critical, 30 mild-moderate COVID-19, and 14 COVID-negative.
- A cytokine storm rate of 37.5% (12/32) was observed in the severe-critical COVID-19 group.
- COVID-19 positive patients exhibited higher IL-6 levels compared to controls, with IL-6 correlating positively with CRP.
Conclusions:
- Bangladeshi adults faced a notable rate of cytokine storms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The findings underscore the significant burden of cytokine storms in this population, necessitating targeted interventions.
Objective:
In COVID-19, cytokine storms (CS) result in higher mortality and morbidity. Our study evaluated the rate of cytokine storms among COVID-positive Bangladeshi adults.
Methods:
From October 2020 to March 2022, this cohort study enrolled both COVID-positive and COVID-negative healthy adults. COVID-positive cases were treated in a makeshift COVID unit of icdr,b Dhaka Hospital. CS was defined as having IL-6 >80 pg/mL or any three of the following: high CRP, ferritin, LDH, D-dimer, or low lymphocyte. Stored plasma samples were tested for the cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α.
Results:
This study involved 77 participants, 32 were in the severe-critical group, 30 were in the mild-moderate group, and 14 were COVID-negative. Twelve participants in the severe-critical group had CS. Thus, the rate of CS was 37.5 % (12/32). Compared to COVID-19-negative patients, COVID-19-positive patients had higher IL-6 levels, which decreased at discharge except for those dying. Among the COVID-19-positive patients, nine died. For both the mild-moderate and severe-critical patients, IL-6 increased with increasing CRP (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladeshi adults experienced a surge in cytokine storms. The rate of cytokine storm in Bangladeshi COVID-19-positive adults was 37.5 %.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease