IL-6 is a predictor and potential therapeutic target for coronavirus disease 2019-related heart failure: A single-center retrospective study

Background: Inflammation is linked to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related heart failure (HF), but the specific mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to assess the relationship between specific inflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-alpha, and IFN-gamma, and COVID-19-related HF. Methods: We retrospectively identified 212 adult patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Shanghai Public Health Center from March 1 to May 30, 2022 (including 80 patients with HF and 132 without HF). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and inflammatory factors, including IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-alpha, and IFN-gamma, were compared between patients with COVID-19 with and without HF. Results: Patients with COVID-19 having and not having HF differed with regard to sex, age, hs-CRP, PCT, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated a significant positive association between IL and 6 and HF (odds ratio = 1.055; 95 % confidence interval: 1.019-1.093, p < 0.005). Sex, age, and hs-CRP were also associated with HF. Women had a greater risk of HF than men. Older age, higher levels of hs-CRP, and IL-6 were associated with a greater risk of HF. Conclusions: In patients with COVID-19, increased IL-6 levels are significantly associated with COVID-19-related HF.