Interleukin 6 and depression in patients affected by Covid-19()

INTRODUCTION: Rise of central cytokines resulting from infections produces neuronal changes. Covid-19 allows the study of depressive symptoms in sustained stress and its relationship with molecular mechanisms. OBJECTIVES: To assess correlation between IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α and depressive symptoms. Characterize the depressive symptoms present. METHODS: Observational study. Patients admitted for Covid-19 older than 60 years with a interleukin determination were included. The Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale was used, associating each item with a neurotransmitter. RESULTS: 27 patients included. We did not find correlation between IL-6 levels and the GDS scale score (rho = 0.204; 95% CI −0.192 to 0.543); with IL-1β levels (rho = −0.126; 95% CI −0.490 to 0.276); nor of TNF-α (rho = −0.033; 95% CI −0.416 to 0.360). 3 patients (11.1%) presented score compatible with depressive disorder. It was associated with a deficiency of Noradrenaline and Serotonin. CONCLUSIONS: We found no correlation between the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α with the GDS score. Depressive symptomatology is similar to vascular depressions.