June 8, 2020

Interleukin-1 Blockade with High-Dose Anakinra in Patients with COVID-19, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Hyperinflammation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Cavalli et al. observed that patients (n=29) who received a high-dose of intravenous anakinra (an interleukin (IL)-1 receptor blocker) had a higher probability of survival at 21 days among a cohort of patients with COVID-19 who had moderate-to-severe ARDS and hyperinflammation and who were managed with non-invasive ventilation outside of the ICU. Treated patients were compared to patients who received standard-of-care at the time (hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir). Probability of bacteremia was nearly equivalent in the two groups. Low-dose subcutaneous anakinra had no appreciable effects on clinical status or biomarkers.   

Cavalli et al. (June 2020). Interleukin-1 Blockade with High-Dose Anakinra in Patients with COVID-19, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Hyperinflammation: A Retrospective Cohort Study. The Lancet Rheumatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(20)30127-2