https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-020-05991-x

UPDATE 3/14/20: CYTOKINE STORM SYNDROME

From this study:

“In conclusion, predictors of a fatal outcome in COVID-19 cases included age, the presence of underlying diseases, the presence of secondary infection and elevated inflammatory indicators in the blood. The results obtained from this study also suggest that COVID-19 mortality might be due to virus-activated “cytokine storm syndrome” or fulminant myocarditis.”

Cytokine storms happen when the body starts producing too many immune cells. The result is inflamed tissue – much more than necessary. If we as autoimmune patients do not already have inflammation under control, this may be a concern. As always, healing the gut is the first step towards reducing inflammation, and eliminating gluten is the first step to heal the gut.

While there is much to be learned about cytokines storms and how/why they happen and how they can be avoided, it is of utmost importance to know about the potential dangers – especially if you have autoimmune conditions. Let your medical team know about cytokine storms and that there is a test available (see below) to predict if this will happen. Many doctors, ER’s, and hospitals may not be aware this is even an issue.