Tocilizumab, a drug being used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, seems to decrease the requirement for invasive ventilation among critically ill patients; however, it does not translate to reduction in mortality, suggests a multicenter study from Punjab.

According to the state health department’s Clinical Guidance for Management of COVID-19, tocilizumab is given to patients with rapid respiratory decompensation after 24-48 hours of dexamethasone.

Researchers conducted a study to compare the efficacy of tocilizumab and high dose steroids among 336 critical patients aged 41-60 years, admitted in three Level III facilities. Overall, 249 patients received high dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse and 87 received intravenous tocilizumab. Around 29% of the patients receiving methylprednisolone needed invasive ventilation in 4-7 days, compared to 17% of those receiving tocilizumab. The requirement for invasive ventilation was decreased in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who were given tocilizumab. The death rate among patients on invasive ventilation was; however, almost similar, with 90.14% in methylprednisolone group and 93.3% in the tocilizumab group dying due to the illness. The findings from the study are published in the International Journal of Applied Basic Medical Research… (ET Healthworld – TNN, January 31, 2022)