Herold T, Jurinovic V, Arnreich C, et al. - Researchers sought to determine and prospectively validate for biomarkers of impending respiratory failure among patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from February 29 to April 09, 2020. They analyzed data from 89 evaluable patients; of these, 40 formed the initial evaluation cohort and 49 formed a temporally separated validation cohort (n = 49). Findings suggest a high predictive value of maximal levels of IL-6 followed by CRP for the need for mechanical ventilation. From the evaluation cohort, the calculated optimal cutoff values in the course of disease (IL-6 > 80 pg/ml and CRP > 97 mg/l) led to correct classification of 80% of patients in the validation cohort concerning their risk of respiratory failure. This indicates a possible utility of IL-6 or CRP levels to guide escalation of treatment in patients with COVID-19 related hyperinflammatory syndrome.