(02 Apr 2021) Tocilizumab- was found effective in severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients with raised IL-6 levels

Tocilizumab: An Effective Therapy for Severely and Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23747

All patients of the study group had symptomatic presentations with a mean PaO(2)/FiO2 (P/F) ratio of 205.41 before TCZ infusion. All patients had a raised IL-6 level (mean value 206.56 pg/mL) that was extremely elevated in 90% of patients. Infusion of TCZ dramatically reduced mean body temperature (100.78-99.32 degrees F) and the requirement for supplemental oxygen (68-48%) and improved mean SpO2 (86-89%) and mean P/F ratio (208-240) within 24 hours. Three patients on noninvasive ventilation were weaned off after TCZ infusion. Serum levels of IL-6 were raised initially but declined within 3-5 days of post-TCZ infusion. Conclusion: TCZ appears to be an effective therapeutic option in severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients with raised IL-6 levels. TCZ immediately improves the clinical status of patients by a probable mechanism of inhibition of cytokine storm and reduces COVID-19-related mortalities.