The severe COVID-19: A sepsis induced by viral infection? And its immunomodulatory therapy.

Chinese journal of traumatology = Zhonghua chuang shang za zhi2020PMID: 32690231

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2020.06.002

Plain Language Summary

This paper argues that severe COVID-19 should be understood as a form of viral-induced sepsis, sharing key characteristics with sepsis caused by other pathogens. The authors propose that immunomodulatory therapy, drawing on decades of experience treating sepsis, is appropriate for severe COVID-19 cases. The review covers various immunotherapy approaches that could be applied to managing the disease.

Abstract

COVID-19 is known for its magical infectivity, fast transmission and high death toll based on the large number of infected people. From the perspective of the clinical manifestation, autopsy examination and pathophysiology, the essence of COVID-19 should be viewed as a sepsis induced by viral infection, and has the essential characteristics as sepsis induced by other pathogens. Therefore, in addition to etiological and supportive treatment, immunomodulatory therapy is also appropriate to severe COVID-19. Although there is still a lack of consensus on immunotherapy for sepsis so far, relatively rich experiences have been accumulated in the past decades, which will help us in the treatment of severe COVID-19. This article will elaborate immunotherapy of sepsis, though it may not be consistent.

Authors

Lin, Hong-Yuan

Keywords

COVID-19Immunomodulatory therapyImmunotherapySepsisThymosin a1Ulinastatin