See how a Cytokine Storm can impact COVID-19 patients; What do IL-6 levels tell you?

The immune system has an impressive ability to respond to various pathogens.
Normal anti-viral immune response requires the activation of the inflammatory pathways of the immune system.

#Cytokines are produced by immune cells that are part of the innate immune response, including macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and the adaptive T and B lymphocytes.
An unchecked and overexuberant immune response, known as a cytokine storm, can lead to irreversible tissue damage.

This has been recognized in severe and critical COVID-19 patients. The “cytokine storm” results from a sudden acute increase in circulating levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and interferon, which has destructive effects on human tissue.

Cytokine storm may cause acute respiratory distress syndrome and is the major cause of death in COVID-19 patients. An elevated level of IL-6 may be an early indicator that a patient is at risk of cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress.

Measuring the IL-6 level may help assess disease progression and help physicians develop treatment plans.

Beckman Coulter offers a suite of diagnostic solutions to help physicians manage the care of COVID-19 patients, including an assay that measures IL-6.

Beckman Coulter continues to explore diagnostic approaches to address challenges the pandemic is imposing on health systems worldwide.

For more information about Beckman Coulter in the fight against COVID-19, visit www.BeckmanCoulter.com/coronavirus

#COVID19 #Healthcare #CytokineStorm