Diagnosis and Treatment of Cytokine Storming as a Management of COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic with 12% mortality rate. This pandemic has shattered health care sector of many developed countries across the globe. According to World Health Organization (WHO) India and Pakistan will be badly hit by the pandemic till end of June 2020. Both countries are densely populated and the fragile health sector of these countries is incapable to facilitate of large number of critically ill patients. Data analysis from different studies revealed that Cytokine Storming (CS) is main cause of COVID-19 related respiratory, renal, cardiac and neural complications in critically ill patients. Objectives: The aim of this review is to highlight the significance of CS in management of COVID-19 infection. Methods: Literature from previous studies was collected to suggest the possible diagnostic testing as well as strategies to manage these patients. Mesh terms such as Corona, COVID-19, Cytokine storming, Wuhan, Pandemic were applied on PUBMED as well as google to search for the latest published articles. Reports and newpapers were also considered as this is an ongoing pandemic and there is scarcity of knowledge and information in this regard. Results: IL6 and TNFα blockers are helpful in regulating the uncontrolled immune response due to CS. Levels of different substances like ferritin, Cytokine Reactive Proteins and D-dimer can be helpful in early detection of these complications. Conclusions: The early detection of CS can be used for selection of appropriate treatment, reduction in burden on Intensive Care Units (ICU) and ultimately saving many lives.