Effect of tocilizumab treatment on intubation and mortality rates in patients with severe COVID-19: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: COVID-19 has impacted all health facilities worldwide since 2020. Thus, finding curative treatments is vital, especially for patients with severe disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the curative potential of Tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19. Material and Methods: Retrospectively, we analyzed the files of 154 patients treated in the intensive care units (ICU) between October 2020 and October 2021. Tocilizumab was administered to the patients before intubation as soon as the signs of the severe disease were noticed. The groups were compared as tocilizumab (Group T) vs. non-tocilizumab (Group NT). Results: No significant age and gender differences were found between the tocilizumab and non-tocilizumab groups. Intubation (31.2% vs. 45.5%) and mortality rates (33.8% vs. 45.5%) were lower in the tocilizumab group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Group T was more frequently treated with glucocorticoids, while this group contained fewer patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney failure (p=0.01 and 0.004, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed a slightly and moderately positive correlation of mortality and intubation with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, uric acid, AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin I, Vitamin D, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p=0.000, 0.001, 0.032, 0.015, 0.000, 0.000, 0.004, and 0.002, respectively). Discussion: Our results revealed that Tocilizumab might prevent intubation and death if administered early in patients with severe COVID-19.