Introduction. The cytokine storm (CS) plays a crucial role in developing neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objective. To study the relationship between neurological manifestations and IL-6 levels in children with SARS-CoV-2. Methods. The neurological symptoms associated with moderate and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed in 88 children (age 29 days-7 years), divided into two groups: with CS and non-CS (the levels of inflammatory markers and interleukin-6/IL-6). Statistical methods used: t-student test and 95CI confidence interval. Results. In the group with CS, 16 (18.2%; 95CI 14.09-22.31) cases were registered, and non-CS – 72 (81.8%; 95CI 77.69-85.91). Encephalopathy and seizures predominated in the CS group (81.3%; 95CI 71.54-91.06) compared to the non-CS group (8.3%; 95CI 5.04-11.56) (p:0.001), where headache predominated (94.4%; 95CI 91.7-97.1), (p:0.186). The number of patients requiring intensive care unit admission and corticosteroid treatment prevailed in the CS group (68.8%; 95CI 57.21-80.39) (p: 0.005 and p: 0.001), with a duration of hospitalization higher (81.25%) than in the non-CS group (9.7%), (p:0.001). The values of C-reactive protein, ferritin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, procalcitonin, D-dimers, and IL-6 were significantly increased in the CS group with a low lymphocyte count. Conclusions. In the study conducted, one of the most common neurological presentation in CS patients is encephalopathy. Neurological manifestations in children with moderate and severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 (CS) are associated with significantly increased serum levels of IL-6 and other inflammatory markers compared to non-CS patients and have more rapid progression. I have no conflicts of interest.

Svetlana Hadjiu
"Nicolae Testemițanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Moldova

Ninel Revenco
"Nicolae Testemițanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Moldova

Elena Capestru
"Nicolae Testemițanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Moldova