Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome in a patient with COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Introduction: In patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome is associated. The main mechanism to trigger this pathology is the release of cytokines and the binding that the virus (COVID-19) makes with the carboxypeptidase of the angiotensin converting enzyme. Through this mechanism, an introduction occurs at the cellular level, generating activity by the immune cells, resulting in the activation and secretion of the cytokine IL-6. The inflammatory cascade occurs through 2 routes, the first (CIS) is the differentiation of T Helper lymphocytes and the second (TRANS) the change in endothelial cells, mainly blood vessels. The consequence is the so-called cytokine storm. This storm causes damage to the patency of blood vessels, pulmonary dysfunction, and hypotension.  

Objective: To describe multi-organ failure in a patient with COVID-19 infection. 

Material and methods: Retrospective study presentation of a clinical case. 

Results: The case of a 59-year-old male patient with no significant history is presented. He presented symptoms of cough, general malaise, throbbing headache, thermal rise, and dyspnea on small efforts; For this reason, he was admitted to the Ambato General Teaching Hospital, where, through the study of the patient's clinic and complementary tests, they guided the diagnosis of COVID-19  infection + Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. 

Conclusions: Severe infection by COVID-19 can trigger multiple organ damage, its high mortality is evidenced in patients with associated diseases. Prompt detection and adequate treatment are key to reducing mortality in the Intensive Care Service. Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome is caused by a severe infection in the body. IL-6 has important properties that stimulate inflammatory activity, since it acts directly on the liver.