(05 June 2020) Tocilizumab- less ICU admissions (10.3% vs. 27.6%, P= 0.005) in Tocilizumab group

Tocilizumab is associated with reduced risk of ICU admission and mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.05.20113738

In a retrospective study ,77 patients received tocilizumab and 94 did not. The tocilizumab group had less ICU admissions (10.3% vs. 27.6%, P= 0.005) and need of invasive ventilation (0 vs 13.8%, P=0.001). In multivariable analysis, tocilizumab remained as a protective variable (OR: 0.03, CI 95%: 0.007-0∙1, P=0.0001) of ICU admission or death. Tocilizumab in the early stages of the inflammatory flare, could reduce ICU admissions and mechanical ventilation use. The mortality rate of 10.3% among patients receiving tocilizumab appears to be lower than other reports.