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Evaluation of Blood Levels of Cytokines/Chemokines in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
29 Pages Posted: 1 Jun 2020
More...Abstract
Background: The role and function of clinical laboratory data in the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in the severe case of the disease, has not been definitively determined. The meta-analysis aimed the evaluation of the blood cytokines/chemokines levels in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: Two databases namely PubMed/Medline and Scopus were comprehensively searched until 26th March 2020. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to calculate the crude mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Findings: Out of 42 records retrieved from the databases, ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Out of 33 cytokines/chemokines checked, twenty-seven of them had higher levels in COVID-19 patients compared to the healthy controls and also out of 20 cytokines/chemokines checked, ten of them had higher levels in severe COVID-19 patients compared to the non-severe COVID-19 patients. In addition, checking 3 cytokines, one cytokine had a higher level in ICU care patients compared to no ICU care patients.
Interpretation: The results could confirm the syndrome of cytokine storm in patients with COVID-19, especially in severe COVID-19 patients.
Funding Statement: This article was supported by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Declaration of Interests: The authors state that there is no conflict of interest.
Ethics Approval Statement: The meta-analysis process was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols.
Keywords: Cytokine; chemokine; COVID-19; serum; plasma; meta-analysis
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation