(30 August 2020) Tocilizumab- improvement in oxygenation was observed in 80% (n=16) of the patients by7 days

Tocilizumab use in COVID -19 associated pneumonia

https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.26471

Out of 77 patients who received TCB in addition to standard of care, 34% (n=26) received TCB within 48 hours of admission. One-to-two propensity matching identified 20 vs. 40 patients in the TCB and no-TCB treatment arms. In the TCB group, an improvement in oxygenation was observed in 80% (n=16) of the patients by 7 days post TCB administration. After matching, there was no difference in clinical outcomes between TCB and no-TCB patients. In-hospital death: 10% vs. 8%; p=0.823, Septic Shock: 10% vs 11%, p=0.912, AKI requiring hemodialysis (10% vs. 13%; p=0.734). Early treatment with TCB in patients admitted for COVID -19 led to an improvement in their oxygen status during hospitalization. This change however did not translate into improved survival when compared to a matched cohort with a similar clinical profile.