Cell and cytokine analyses from bronchoalveolar lavage in non-critical COVID-19 pneumonia

Cell and cytokine analyses from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in non-critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are poorly described. This study focused on patients hospitalized in the non-intensive care unit for either suspected COVID-19 pneumonia or persistent respiratory symptoms following proven COVID-19 pneumonia. Overall, 54 patients who underwent BAL between April 2020 and February 2021 for suspected or follow-up of proven COVID-19 pneumonia were included. Based on SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test results and clinical follow-up, three pulmonary disease groups were defined: non-COVID-19 (n = 20), acute COVID-19 (n = 13), and post-COVID-19 (n = 24) pneumonia patients. Cytological and cytokine analyses were performed on BAL fluid (IL-1 & beta;, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-& alpha;, IFN-& gamma;, HGF, and TGF-& beta;), with investigators blinded to the patient groups. Lymphocytic alveolitis with plasmocytes was observed in acute COVID-19 pneumonia, returning to normal post-COVID-19. The highest cytokine levels were observed in COVID-19 patients, with significantly increased IFN-& gamma;, IL-10, and HGF levels compared to non-COVID-19 patients, while significantly decreased IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-& gamma;, TNF-& alpha;, and HGF levels were noted in post-COVID-19 patients. In COVID-19 patients, correlations between IL-10, TNF-& alpha; and IFN-& gamma; concentrations were found. Lymphocytic alveolitis with plasmacytosis was found in non-critical COVID-19 pneumonia This alveolitis is associated with the presence of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-& alpha;, IFN-& gamma; and HGF. Alveolitis and cytokines levels decreased in post-COVID-19 pneumonia.