4CPS-338 Use and efficacy of tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia

Abstract

Background and importance Tocilizumab is an anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of cytokine release syndrome in patients with pneumonia associated with coronavirus disease. Despite the data from the COVACTA study, tocilizumab continues to be the gold standard for patients in our centre. Aim and objectives To describe the use of tocilizumab in the first peak versus the second peak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to describe the results of the use of tocilizumab in both situations. Material and methods All patients treated with tocilizumab were included in the study periods: first peak (March to June 2020) and second peak (August to the present 2020). Demographic and clinical variables were collected. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records and prescription applications. Results 65 patients were included, 36 patients (55.38%) in the first peak versus 29 patients (44.62%) in the second peak. Conclusion and relevance In the first peak, tocilizumab was prescribed to more serious patients: those admitted to the ICU, with a higher FINE score and needing aggressive support therapy. In addition, it was prescribed in patients with a higher D-dimer. Doses and number of administrations were higher in the first peak. New scientific evidence led to the use of different concomitant treatments in the second peak: corticosteroids (second peak dexamethasone versus first peak methylprednisolone) and antiviral therapy (only remdesivir in the second peak). In the second peak, hospital and ICU stays were shorter, probably because tocilizumab was used in less serious patients. Despite this, no differences in mortality were observed. A study limitation was sample size. References and/or acknowledgements Conflict of interest No conflict of interest