Background: Cytokine Storm Release (CRS) is considered as major culprit for high mortality in Covid 19. Tocilizumab has shown promising results in initial trials by controlling CRS. We present our observations on Tocilizumab use.
Methods: A retrospective case control study of total 39 adult patients of moderate to severe covid 19 infection admitted to dhiraj hospital was enrolled in this study.Out of total patients, 9 were given tocilizumab along with standard care of treatment assigned as group A and 30 patients were given standard care of treatment only assigned as group B. Data including clinical and laboratory parameter was collected and recorded on 1st and 7th day of admission in CRF.
Results: out of 39 moderate to severe RT PCR positive Covid 19 patients, only 9 patients received tocilizumab due to scarcity of drug and non affordability.Mean age was 54.22 + 11.50 years and 7 were male in tocilizumab group. Statistically significant improvement was noted with ESR and Sr.LDH only. Other laboratory parameters (TLC,NLR,CRP, D-Dimer, Sr.Ferrtin) showed minor improvement only(p value =>0.05).High mortality was observed with tocilizumab group ( 4 out of 9 patients, 44.4%) compared to standard group ( 8 out of 30 patients;27%).
Conclusion: Toclizumab therapy is showing conflicting results as first line therapy for Cytokine Release Storm in Covid 19. Cautious use of tocilizumab is warranted till large scale RCT shows promising results.
