Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
cytokine storm
Excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can cause severe tissue damage and organ dysfunction in pediatric patients.
Full Definition
A potentially life-threatening immune reaction characterized by the rapid and excessive release of cytokines into the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and multi-organ failure. In pediatric immunology, cytokine storms are associated with conditions such as macrophage activation syndrome, severe infections, and certain immunotherapies. The term became widely recognized during COVID-19 but has long been relevant in pediatric critical care and immunology practice.
Usage
Usage note: Often hyphenated in medical literature; avoid confusion with septic shock, which may have overlapping symptoms.
In Context
- "The patient developed a cytokine storm following CAR-T cell therapy, requiring immediate intervention with tocilizumab." — treatment protocol
- "Laboratory findings consistent with cytokine storm included elevated IL-6, ferritin, and D-dimer levels." — diagnostic report
Also known as
cytokine release syndrome
hypercytokinemia
Contrasted with
cytokine suppression
immunosuppression
Don't confuse with
sepsis
anaphylaxis