Tocilizumab: An Effective Therapy for Severely and Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

Bhandari, Sudhir; Rankawat, Govind; Singh, Ajeet; Hazra, Darpanarayan; Jindal, Anmol; Fernandes, Joanna P; Abhilash, Kundavaram PP

Background: Tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody against the most prevalent cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), is an emerging therapeutic option for COVID-19 infections. The present study was undertaken to assess the therapeutic response of TCZ therapy in severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients and its role as an effective modality of management. Methods: The present retrospective observational study included 30 admitted severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, treated with TCZ therapy on behalf of raised IL-6 levels. The patients’ data concerning medical history, clinical manifestation, arterial blood gas analysis, mode of oxygenation, radiological imaging, and outcome were extracted from their medical records and compared pre- and post-TCZ infusion. Results: All patients of the study group had symptomatic presentations with a mean PaO(2)/FiO(2) (P/F) ratio of 205.41 before TCZ infusion. All patients had a raised IL-6 level (mean value 206.56 pg/mL) that was extremely elevated in 90% of patients. Infusion of TCZ dramatically reduced mean body temperature (100.78–99.32°F) and the requirement for supplemental oxygen (68–48%) and improved mean SpO(2) (86–89%) and mean P/F ratio (208–240) within 24 hours. Three patients on noninvasive ventilation were weaned off after TCZ infusion. Serum levels of IL-6 were raised initially but declined within 3–5 days of post-TCZ infusion. Conclusion: TCZ appears to be an effective therapeutic option in severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients with raised IL-6 levels. TCZ immediately improves the clinical status of patients by a probable mechanism of inhibition of cytokine storm and reduces COVID-19-related mortalities. How to cite this article: Bhandari S, Rankawat G, Singh A. Tocilizumab: An Effective Therapy for Severely and Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(3):260–266.