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Cytokine levels as predictors of mortality in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: Case-control study nested within a cohort in Colombia

F. Molina, L. Botero, J. P. Isaza, L. E. Cano, Lucelly López, Lina M. Hoyos, E. Correa, António Torres

Frontiers in Medicine, 2022

7 citations

Abstract

Background High levels of different cytokines have been associated in COVID-19 as predictors of mortality; however, not all studies have found this association and its role to cause multi-organ failure and death has not been fully defined. This study aimed to investigate the association of the levels of 10 cytokines with mortality in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods This is a case-control study nested within a cohort of patients with COVID-19 who were on mechanical ventilation and were not hospitalized for more than 48 h across nine ICUs in Medellín, Colombia. Serum samples were collected upon admission to the ICU and 7 days later and used to measure cytokine levels. Results Upon admission, no differences in mortality between the cytokine levels were observed when comparisons were made quantitatively. However, in the multivariate analysis, patients with median IL-1β levels 1.666 pg/ml was associated with decreased survival.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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