Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

October 12, 2020

Beneficial Effect of Corticosteroids in Preventing Mortality in Patients Receiving Tocilizumab to Treat Severe COVID-19 Illness

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  • An observational retrospective analysis of the characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 treated with the immunomodulator tocilizumab (TCZ), with or without corticosteroids, found that mortality was associated with older age (HR=1.09), chronic heart failure (HR=4.4), and chronic liver disease (HR=4.69). 186 patients were treated with TCZ, among whom 129 were also treated with corticosteroids. Of the total 186 patients, 155 patients were receiving non-invasive ventilation when TCZ, with or without corticosteroids, was initiated. The use of corticosteroids in combination with TCZ was the main protective factor against mortality (HR=0.26) in patients with severe COVID-19 who received TCZ. In addition, no serious superinfections were observed at 30-days of follow-up.

Rubio-Rivas et al. (Oct 1, 2020). Beneficial Effect of Corticosteroids in Preventing Mortality in Patients Receiving Tocilizumab to Treat Severe COVID-19 Illness. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1486