Correlation Between Interleukin-6 Serum Level and Olfactory Dysfunction Severity in COVID-19 Patients in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.

2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt

3 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Armed forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Background and aim: Olfactory disorders [OD], which include anosmia and hyposmia, are one of the most common clinical symptoms of COVID-19. It may be the first or the only symptom. Interleukin [IL]-6, an inflammatory mediator, is produced during the initial stage of inflammation. Its release as a defense mechanism could be responsible for COVID-19 symptoms and OD as well as their severity, so the aim of this study was to analyze the relation between IL-6 and OD status and severity of disease among COVID-19 patients.
Patients and Methods: The study included 96 individuals attending the ear, nose, and throat [E.N.T.] clinics of the military hospitals. They were divided into 2 groups [48 COVID-19 patients and 48 controls]. Interleukin-6 was measured in both groups together with olfactory function and disease severity.
Results: Interleukin-6 levels were statistically higher among COVID-19 patients with OD when compared to COVID-19 patients without OD. A higher level of IL-6 was associated with poor olfactory function and higher COVID-19 disease severity.
Conclusion: There might be a directly proportionate relationship between the level of IL-6 and the olfactory dysfunction. Anosmia might be associated with a higher level of IL-6 than hyposmia. IL-6 could be considered a valid prognostic factor for COVID-19 as well as olfactory dysfunction.

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