Laboratory investigations
Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained at admission and COVID-19 infection
was diagnosed with real time reverse-transcription PCR using Coronex
COVID-19 rt-qPCR detection kit (Gensutek, Turkey). For all other tests,
blood samples were obtained immediately after the diagnosis of COVID-19
was ascertained with a positive PCR test and a thorax CT scan compatible
with COVID-19 pneumonia. Interleukin-6 concentration was determined with
electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method, using Elecsys IL-6
biochemical analysis kits and Roche Cobas 6000 analysis device (Roche
Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). Other laboratory analyses were done
with conventional methods.