Vladan Cvetanovic*, Milica Cvetanovic, Nikola Milenkovic, Boris Djindjic, Milica Randjelovic, IsidoraVukanic, Marija Zivadinovic and Radmilo Jankovic
Introduction: Complications in COVID-19 are coupled With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Interrupting IL-6 signaling by tocilizumab may be beneficial in those conditions.
Methods: We conducted retrospective observational study in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia receiving tocilizumab plus standard therapy. We compared respiratory support levels at hospitalization, before and after tocilizumab admission.
Results: Ninety-two patients fulfilled Serbian Therapy Protocol criteria and received tocilizumab in two separate doses (8 mg/kg i. v. per dose). Patients receiving conventional oxygen therapy before tocilizumab (max 15 l/min) showed significant decrease in respiratory support (z=-3.200, p=0.001) after the treatment, and lower mortality risk when compared to patients requiring high flow oxygen therapy before tocilizumab treatment (0.36 vs. 1.29).
Conclusion: Our results suggest beneficial effect of tocilizumab in addition to conventional therapy in respiratory support requirements, especially in earlier stages of ARDS and CRS.