Short Wave The "7 Day COVID-19 Crash"
Apr 10, 2020
Geoff Brumfiel, an NPR science correspondent, shares his expertise on the unexpected 'seven-day crash' that some COVID-19 patients face. He explains how this decline might stem from an overactive immune response rather than the virus itself. The discussion dives into the role of cytokine storms, particularly the implications of interleukin-6, and the potential risks of immunosuppressive treatments. Geoff sheds light on the urgent need for innovative approaches to improve patient care and recovery strategies amid these challenges.
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Seven-Day Crash
- Some COVID-19 patients stabilize and seem to recover.
- Then, they suddenly worsen around the five to seven-day mark, experiencing high fevers and potentially needing ventilators.
Cytokine Storm
- A "cytokine storm," an overreaction of the immune system, might cause the crash, not the virus itself.
- Cytokines, messenger proteins, signal immune cells, but overproduction can damage the lungs.
Evidence of Cytokine Storms
- Case reports from Europe and China show signs of cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients.
- High cytokine levels and other clinical measures suggest this immune overreaction.