BackgroundTocilizumab, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist, has been used in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 as an anti-cytokine agent. IL-6 also plays a complex role in hemostasis and thrombosis. We observed a transient elevation of D-dimer in our patients who received tocilizumab, which triggered this study. MethodsA retrospective hospital-based cohort analysis of patients with confirmed COVID-19 who received tocilizumab during the study period of March 15, 2020, to May 20, 2020, was conducted. We retrieved demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, and patients who were receiving therapeutic anticoagulation therapy prior to tocilizumab administration were excluded. Descriptive analysis was performed, and the cause of death and trends of D-dimer and inflammatory markers were studied. ResultsOut of the 436 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted during the study period, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Their median age was 47.5 years. They were 18 males and 6 females; 15 patients survived and nine expired. Of the group that survived, 12 received therapeutic anticoagulation. Of the seven patients who did not receive therapeutic anticoagulation, four expired (one from sepsis and three probably from thromboembolic complications) compared to five deaths in the 17 patients who received therapeutic anticoagulation (four from sepsis and one possibly from thromboembolic complications). ConclusionsThe interplay between IL-6, IL-6 receptor antagonist, and venous thromboembolism is complex. We observed a transient elevation of D-dimer in COVID-19 patients who received tocilizumab, and a trend toward increased death secondary to thromboembolism. This observation is novel and highlights the potential thrombophilic side effects of tocilizumab.
Background:Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist has been used in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as an anti-cytokine agent. IL-6 also plays a complex role in hemostasis and thrombosis. We observed a transient elevation of D-dimer in our patients who received Tocilizumab, which triggered the current study.Methods:A retrospective hospital-based cohort analysis of patients with confirmed COVID-19 who received Tocilizumab during the study period of 03/15/2020 to 05/20/2020. We retrieved demographic, clinical and laboratory data, we excluded patients who were receiving therapeutic anticoagulation therapy prior to Tocilizumab administration. Descriptive analysis was performed, the cause of death and trends of D-dimer and inflammatory markers were studied. Results: Out of the 436 confirmed COVID 19 patients admitted during the study period, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Their median age was 47.5 years old. They were 18 males and 6 females; 15 patients survived, and 9 expired. Of the group that survived, 12 received therapeutic anticoagulation. Of the 7 patients who did not receive therapeutic anticoagulation, 4 expired, 1 from sepsis and 3 probably from thromboembolic complications, compared to 5 deaths in the 17 patients who received therapeutic anticoagulation with 4 dying from sepsis, and one possibly from thromboembolic complications.Conclusions:The interplay between IL-6, IL-6 receptor antagonist and venous thromboembolism are complex. We observed a transient elevation of D-dimer in COVID-19 patients who received Tocilizumab, and a trend toward increased death secondary to thromboembolism. This observation is novel and highlights the potential thrombophilic side effects of Tocilizumab.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.