Cytokine storm
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC
| Cytokine storm | |
|---|---|
| File:Hypothetical mechanisms underlying the cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2 in infected lungs.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, fatigue, swelling, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, headache, cough, dyspnea |
| Complications | Acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, sepsis |
| Onset | Rapid |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Infection, autoimmune disease, cancer, immunotherapy |
| Risks | Genetic predisposition, autoimmune disorders, immunotherapy |
| Diagnosis | Clinical presentation, laboratory tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Sepsis, macrophage activation syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis |
| Prevention | Monitoring and management of underlying conditions |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, cytokine inhibitors, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on severity and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Cytokine Storm[edit]
Introduction[edit]
A Cytokine Storm is a severe immune reaction in which the body releases an excessive amount of cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling. While they are vital in moderating the immune response to infection and trauma, an overproduction can lead to severe inflammation and damage to the body's own tissues.
Mechanism[edit]
The cytokine storm is a complex process involving a rapid increase in cytokine levels. This can be triggered by various factors, including infectious diseases, certain types of cancer treatments, and autoimmune conditions.
Triggers[edit]
- Infections: Viral infections, such as Influenza or severe cases of COVID-19, can precipitate a cytokine storm.
- Cancer Treatments: Immunotherapies, like CAR T-cell therapy, can sometimes lead to cytokine storms.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases in which the immune system attacks the body can also trigger cytokine storms.
Symptoms and Diagnosis[edit]
Symptoms of a cytokine storm can include fever, fatigue, nausea, and in severe cases, organ failure. Diagnosis is often based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests showing elevated cytokine levels.
Treatment and Management[edit]
Treatment of cytokine storm involves managing the symptoms and, crucially, addressing the underlying cause. This can include the use of steroids to reduce inflammation and drugs that specifically target cytokines.
Research and Developments[edit]
Researchers continue to explore the mechanisms behind cytokine storms and are developing new treatments to better manage this condition.
External Links[edit]
- World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
References[edit]
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Cytokine Storm
- Nature: The Cytokine Storm in COVID-19
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page. |
