[Clinical observation of 6 severe COVID-19 patients treated with plasma exchange or tocilizumab].

Luo, Song; Yang, Lijuan; Wang, Chun; Liu, Chuanmiao; Li, Dianming

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical effect of plasma exchange and tocilizumab in treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS Six patients with severe COVID-19 admitted in First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 25 to February 25, 2020. Three patients were treated with plasma exchange and three patients were treated with tocilizumab. The effect on excessive inflammatory reaction of plasma exchange and tocilizumab was observed. RESULTS The C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased and the lymphocyte and prothrombin time were improved in 3 patients after treatment with plasma exchange; while inflammation level was not significantly decreased, and lymphocyte and prothrombin time did not improve in 3 patients treated with tocilizumab. CONCLUSIONS For severe COVID-19 patients with strong inflammatory reaction, plasma exchange may be preferred.