Tocilizumab and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) In Covid-19 Pneumonia

Tocilizumab and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) In Covid-19 Pneumonia: Experience From Single Center of Pakistan

Tocilizumab (TCZ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), newly appeared as treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients with severe covid-19 associated pneumonia. In the present study, we aimed to discuss the treatment response of TCZ therapy in COVID-19 infected patients.

This observational study was designed just to visualize the efficacy and safety of Tocilizumab, an antibody anti-IL-6 receptor in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 with increased inflammatory markers.Patients will be followed until Day 29 after randomization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years old; Clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus by PCR, or by other approved diagnostic methodology, or, with presumptive diagnosis of COVID-19 (other respiratory causes ruled out and COVID-19 test pending); Hospitalized with COVID-19-induced pneumonia; Elevated CRP, D-Dimers or ferritin levels; Bodyweight ≥ 40kg.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Eligible patients must not have a history of hypersensitivity to any drugs or metabolites of similar chemical classes as canakinumab; Use of tocilizumab within 3 weeks prior; Suspected or known active bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection (besides COVID-19); Patients with significant neutropenia (ANC <1000/mm3); Treatment with an investigational drug within 5 half-lives or 30 days (whichever is longer) prior to tocilizumab dose.