IL6 and COVID-19: The viral cytopathic effect of pneumocytes implies direct viral damage.17 There is now evidence that some patients may respond to COVID-19 with an exuberant “cytokine storm” response.18 Immunological studies have demonstrated that pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated in the majority of patients with severe outcomes.19 Hypercoagulability is an important hallmark of inflammation.