Evaluation of infliximab/tocilizumab versus tocilizumab among COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm syndrome

Sci Rep. 2023 Apr 20;13(1):6456. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-33484-6.

Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread rapidly. Monoclonal antibodies as well as anti-tumor necrosis factor are considered promising treatments for COVID-19. A prospective cohort study in which patients are divided into three groups. Group 1: moderate and severe COVID-19 patients received standard treatment; Group 2: moderate and severe COVID-19 patients received tocilizumab; Group 3: moderate and severe COVID-19 patients received treatment with infliximab and tocilizumab. 153 patients were recruited in the study. 40 received standard treatment alone, 70 received tocilizumab with standard treatment, and 43 received tocilizumab/infliximab with standard treatment. There was a significant difference in length of hospital stay (10.3, 8.9, and 7.6 days respectively P = 0.03), need for a non-invasive mechanical ventilator (4, 5, and one patient; P = 1.2E-8), intensive care admission (32, 45, and 16 patients; P = 2.5E-5), the occurrence of sepsis (18, 12, and 10 patients; P = 0.005) and in death (42.5%, 14.2%, and 7%; P = 0.0008) which were significantly lower in tocilizumab/infliximab group compared to tocilizumab and standard of care groups. Our study showed that tocilizumab/ infliximab in addition to standard of care was considered a promising treatment for moderate and severe COVID-19 patients.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04734678; date of registration: 02/02/2021.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • COVID-19*
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infliximab / therapeutic use
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • tocilizumab
  • Infliximab

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04734678