Practical aspects of targeting IL-6 in COVID-19 disease
Cassandra Calabrese, Prabalini Rajendram, Gretchen L. Sacha, Leonard H. Calabrese
Abstract
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) took center stage as a therapeutic target, given its role in the cytokine storm phase of COVID-19. While IL-6 inhibitors have been widely used to treat a variety of immune-mediated disease states, they have not been used often in the intensive care setting, and new data question their efficacy. This brief review provides practical information on their administration and safety.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCytokine stormCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)DiseaseIntensive care medicine2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)CytokineImmune systemImmunologyBioinformaticsVirologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)Internal medicineBiologyOutbreakCOVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Vitamin C and Antioxidants Research