Efficacy of Tocilizumab in Patients with COVID-19

 Background and purpose: Tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, is emerged as an alternative treatment for COVID-19 patients with a risk of cytokine storms. This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of TCZ in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: In a retrospective observational study, we examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and also the outcomes of TCZ therapy (Actemra® and Temziva®) in Qaemshahr Razi Hospital. Results: Out of 56 cases, 32 (57.1%) were women and the median age of the patients was 57.5 years. Among the patients, 19 (33.9%) were admitted to ICU where seven (12.7%) were intubated and eight (14.3%) patients deceased. Before TCZ therapy, mean oxygen saturation level was 90.1% which elevated to 93.8% after receiving TCZ (P=0.001). In this study, Temziva® was associated with lower mortality rate compared with Actemra® (P=0.004). Conclusion: TCZ therapy in patients with COVID-19 could improve oxygen saturation level and Temziva® results in lower mortality rate. However, further studies with larger sample size are required to confirm these results.