Scientists say levels of a specific protein in someone's blood could predict whether they are at high risk of getting critically ill or dying of Covid. Imperial College London experts say they have detected a blood protein which appears directly linked to the risk of death or severe illness. Imperial College London researchers have identified a cytokine - dubbed GM-CSK - that was at high levels early on in Covid patients that later suffered severe disease. In their blood screens the Imperial College London researchers found that GM-CSF was at high levels early on in patients that later suffered severe disease. Scientists said future treatments could suppress the amount of GM-CSF in the body, which they said may help alleviate severe disease and improve survival.

Source: The Nation March 11, 2021 20:04 UTC