Proinflammatory Cytokines Are Associated With Prolonged Viral RNA Shedding In COVID-19 Patients

By analyzing data from 112 hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 patients in a single center in Wuhan, China, researchers examined the clinical features as well as the risk factors for prolonged viral RNA shedding. They focused on factors related to prolonged viral RNA shedding (≥ 28 days). They detected prolonged viral RNA shedding in 49 (43.8%) patients. Older age and a higher rate of hypertension were noted in patients with prolonged viral shedding. Also, significantly increased proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2R and tumor necrosis factor-α, were detected in relation to prolonged viral shedding. Overall, the distinct features between patients with or without prolonged viral RNA shedding were revealed in this comprehensive study. The factors that may be correlated with prolonged viral shedding include hypertension, older age, lymphopenia and high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines.

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