Tocilizumab in the treatment of rapidly evolving COVID-19 pneumonia and multifaceted critical illness: A retrospective case series.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 associated critical illness characterized by rapidly evolving acute respiratory failure (ARF) can develop, especially on the grounds of hyperinflammation.

Aim and methods

A case-series of 61 patients admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) between August 12 and September 12, 2020 with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia and rapidly evolving ARF requiring oxygen support therapy and/or mechanical ventilation was retrospectively analyzed. We examined whether intravenous administration of tocilizumab, a monoclonal interleukin-6 receptor antibody, was associated with improved outcome. All patients received empiric antivirals, dexamethasone 6 mg/day for 7 days, antibiotics, and prophylactic anticoagulation. Tocilizumab was administered at a dosage of 8 mg/kg [two co

SUBMITTER: Mady A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7642808 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature