BADAI SITOKIN COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading global threat that has been declared a pandemic by WHO. COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets or direct contact and infects the respiratory tract causing pneumonia in most cases and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in about 15% of cases. Deaths in COVID-19 patients have been linked to so-called "cytokine storms" caused by the virus. Overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines leads to worsening of ARDS and extensive tissue damage resulting in multi-organ failure and death. Suppressing cytokines during the management of COVID-19 patients can increase survival rates and reduce mortality.