Evaluation and Dynamic Change Characteristics of Cytokines in Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Infected Patients

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a serious infectious disease that has received widespread attention. This study focused on the predictive value and trends of cytokines in SFTS patients. Information on 128 patients with SFTS was retrospectively collected from January 2019 to January 2023 at a large general hospital in Anhui Province, China. Of these, 34 died during the course of the disease. Compared to survivors, non-survivors exhibited significantly elevated cytokine levels and lower CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cell counts. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that TNF-α (adjusted HR = 13.602, 95% CI = 1.197-154.539) was an independent predictor of death with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.901. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8 levels were found to be correlated with viral titers. Longitudinal monitoring revealed distinct cytokine dynamics during the disease course. Combining high-dose intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) with ribavirin effectively reduced the levels of IL-6, IL-2R, and IL-10, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical practice.