Efficacy of IL-6 inhibitor (Tocilizumab) in prognosis of COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure, admitted in Imam Reza hospital – A pilot study

Abstract

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) is a manifestation of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that is caused by numerous conditions such as infections and drugs. It is characterized by activation of white blood cells and production and release of inflammatory cytokines. Tocilizumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody against interlukine-6 receptor. Dampening the inflammation and decreasing the insult to the lungs is clarified as the best treatment way in COVID-19 patients. This study is aimed to use tocilizumab to dampen inflammation and decrease mortality in critical cases of COVID-19 and respiratory failure. Methods: Tocilizumab, 400 milligrams by slow intravenous infusion is administered in 25 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit of Imam Reza Teaching Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. The results are compared with 25 clinically identical patients who did not receive the drug. Results: There was a significant improvement in the oxygenation parameters such as PaO2/FiO2 after the administration of tocilizumab, however there was no significant difference in final outcome compared with control group.