question: Cytokine release syndrome is the most important mechanism triggering acute respiratory distress syndrome and end organ damage. In our study, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were the strongest predictors of severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 as measured by admission to ICU. Key messages In our study, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were the strongest predictors of severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 as measured by admission to ICU.