Abstract
Background:TCZ is a monoclonal antibody against Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) which is used for relieving inflammation and reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients. Safety and efficacy of Tocilizumab (TCZ) in Covid-19 pneumonia is uncertain yet. In this study, we aimed to determine clinical outcomes in patients treated with TCZ.Objectives:In this study we aimed to share our retrospective results which we had obtained from patients with COVID-19 diagnosis received TCZ.Methods:We performed a retrospective case control study between May and August 2020 in Turkey. We compared outcomes in patients who received TCZ with those who did not. Death in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) requirements were evaluated as endpoints. Demographic data, comorbidities, additional treatment, treatment side effects, laboratory and clinical results were retrospectively assessed. There are no significant differences between groups according to age, gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).Results:12 (27.3%) patients died in standard group and eight (18.6%) patients died in TCZ group (p=0.150).Days of staying in the hospital were eight days in standard treatment group and 12 days in TCZ group (p=0.03). 10 of 43 patients in TCZ group were admitted to ICU. MV support was needed in 8 of these patients. 18 of 44 patients (40.9%) within the standard group were admitted to ICU and 12 patients (27.3%) were intubated (p=0.125,p=0.480). Significant IL-6 decrease was not observed post treatment in TCZ group according to pretreatment period (p=0.60). Significant decreases were examined in CRP and ferritin values through TCZ treatment. However, D-dimer and thrombocyte values increased.Conclusion:TCZ may not be an effective treatment for reducing ICU requirement, to prevent intubation or death, for shortening period for staying in hospital. The patients should be followed up closely for possible thrombosis because of increased D-dimer and thrombocytes with TCZ treatment.
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