Tocilizumab as treatment for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Fausto Petrelli, Sara Cherri, Michele Ghidini, Gianluca Perego, Antonio Ghidini, Alberto Zaniboni
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have good prognoses, but some develop a critical illness that can lead to death. Evidence shows severe acute respiratory syndrome is closely related to the induced cytokine storm. Interleukin-6 is a key player; its role in systemic inflammation is well known. AIM: To evaluate the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, on the outcomes for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: June 2020 for observational or prospective studies reporting results of hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 infection treated with TCZ. Effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and an OR less than 1 was associated with a better outcome in those treated with TCZ. RESULTS: = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In COVID-19-infected patients treated with TCZ, outcome may be improved compared to those not treated with TCZ.