Severe leukocytosis and cytokine storm in a patient with covid-19 pneumonia

Abstract

Since the emergence of the first cases of COVID-19 that was first reported in Wuhan China, the virus has spread globaly at a fast rate. It has carried a significant increase in the mortality rate. Most of these cases have been secondary to severe pneumonia as well as an increased incidence of thromboembolic complications leading to pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarctions, and strokes. It has been observed that many of these severe COVID-19 pneumonias have been associated with an increased levels of inflammatory markers including Cytokines and Interleukin 3 and 6 which can lead to an exaggereted humoral response with increased immunoglobulin production and tumor necrosis factors that can lead to lung tissue destruction. There is an overwhelming demand to find a mechanism to stop that vicious cycle and minimize tissue destruction. Thus, there is a need for more extensive studies regarding this medical dilemma in order to minimize the number of deaths around the world which so far has almost reached 2.5 million.