Association between Th1 and Th2 responses and the evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome by SarsCov2.
Cytokines. COVID-19; SarsCov2; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Mortality.
Cytokine storm is being considered as one of the main mechanisms contributing to acute lung injury and the development of COVID-19. In view of the fundamental role that cytokines seem to play in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, it is essential to analyze and better understand the underlying factors that influence the worsening of the disease. In this context, the study aimed to analyze the profiles of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19. This is a descriptive, quantitative, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study involving 167 patients who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit or ward with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19. Data referring to sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory information were collected from patients' medical records and tabulated in a spreadsheet. For data analysis, SPSS 13.0 software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows and Microsoft Excel 365 were used. There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of cytokines IFN-Y, IL-10 and IL-6 in relation to the moments analyzed. There was also a relationship between cytokine levels, especially IL-6 and IL-10, with the degree of pulmonary impairment, need for mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay and death. There was a significant relationship between elevated levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and SARS severity, especially in relation to IL-6 and IL-10 levels.