Cytokine expression and mortality risk among COVID-19 hospitalized patients over 60 years of age in a referral hospital in Cartagena, Colombia

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Background: Cytokine dysregulation in COVID-19 patients aged over 60 has been associated to adverse outcomes. While serum levels have been studied, cellular expression, particularly in Afro-Colombians, remains understudied. This research aims to describe cytokine expression in peripheral blood leukocytes and its association with adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients aged over 60 at Cartagena's referral hospital. Methods: A cohort study was conducted, encompassing severe and critical cases of COVID-19 between November 2021 and February 2022. At baseline, the cellular expression level of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ was assessed using flow cytometry. Additionally, various biochemical, hematological, and coagulation markers were evaluated. The main outcome was time to death. Results: Among the 50 enrolled participants, the median age was 76.5 years, 60% were male, 60% were admitted to the ICU, and 42% died. Lactate dehydrogenase and hemoglobin were the only markers that differed between fatal and surviving cases. Regarding cytokines, the level of IL-6 expression was associated with an increased risk of death. Specifically, a one percent increase in the expression was associated with a 7.3% increase in the risk of death. Stratifying the analysis by death and ICU admission, the median expression level remained high in fatal cases who were admitted to the ICU. Conclusions: Our findings revealed a significant association between high cellular expression levels of IL-6 and an increased risk of mortality. These results provide valuable scientific insights that could inform the prioritization of case management, providing especially advantageous for the vulnerable Afro-Colombian group.

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