Open AccessLow-Dose Tocilizumab With High-Dose Corticosteroids in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 Hypoxic Respiratory Failure Improves Mortality Without Increased Infection Risk
Author(s) -
Shari B. Brosnahan,
Xian Jie Cindy Chen,
Juri Chung,
Diana Altshuler,
Shahidul Islam,
Sarun Thomas,
Megan Winner,
Allison Greco,
Jasmin Divers,
Peter Spiegler,
Daniel H. Sterman,
Sam Parnia
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals of pharmacotherapy/the annals of pharmacotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.926
H-Index - 113
eISSN - 1542-6270
pISSN - 1060-0280
DOI - 10.1177/10600280211028882
Subject(s) - tocilizumab , medicine , dexamethasone , hazard ratio , combination therapy , pneumonia , corticosteroid , respiratory failure , rheumatoid arthritis , confidence interval
Severe hypoxic respiratory failure from COVID-19 pneumonia carries a high mortality risk. There is uncertainty surrounding which patients benefit from corticosteroids in combination with tocilizumab and the dosage and timing of these agents. The balance of controlling inflammation without increasing the risk of secondary infection is difficult. At present, dexamethasone 6 mg is the standard of care in COVID-19 hypoxia; whether this is the ideal choice of steroid or dosage remains to be proven.