The Effect of Tocilizumab on Procalcitonin and Other Biochemical and Clinical Markers in the Setting of COVID-19 Pneumonia

The Effect of Tocilizumab on Procalcitonin and Other Biochemical and Clinical Markers in the Setting of COVID-19 Pneumonia

This study aims to establish whether tocilizumab has any significant effect on procalcitonin levels on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring intensive care admission. The effects on other biochemical and clinical markers are also considered.

A retrospective study, involving the first fifty patients treated with tocilizumab for acute deterioration in COVID-19 pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mater Dei Hospital in Malta.

The following parameters will be collected from medical records:

• procalcitonin levels, daily for twenty days or until discharge or death.
• namely white cell count (WCC), neutrophils, lymphocytes,
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio).

This group will be compared to a control group was chosen from patients admitted to the ICU who were not eligible for tocilizumab treatment, matched to the study group for age, gender, mode of ventilation required and length of stay in ICU.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis
• Admitted to ITU
• Tocilizumab treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• none