Cytokine storms, in which the immune system spirals out of control, are typically associated with an established group of cytokines. But the best predictor of COVID-19 outcomes was an "underappreciated" cytokine more associated with allergies, the UVA researchers report. High levels of that cytokine, IL-13, were associated with worsened COVID-19 outcomes regardless of patients' gender, age or other health problems.
The researchers also identified two more cytokines associated with severe outcomes, though the duo had less ability to predict the need for a ventilator.
In addition, the researchers found that levels of two other cytokines were significantly higher in patients with elevated blood sugar. This "pro-inflammatory response," they say, may help explain why diabetes is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. In short, the body is primed to respond too strongly to the infection.
