Journal of Clinical Case Reports

The Use of Tocilizumab in COVID-19 Positive Patients: Initial Outcomes in 2 Patients

Abstract

Kuven Naidu, Bilaal Wadee, Jayseelan Naidu and Nabeela Kajee

Introduction: The recent pandemic that has been caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronovirus-2) has led to a huge burden on health, social and economic systems worldwide. There is currently no known cure. The medical fraternity is left to care for large numbers of ill patients using treatments that have not been clinically proven to be effective. The rapid spread of the virus has not allowed for large scale clinical trials to be undertaken and thus most treatment regimens have been based on observational studies. Tocilizumab has shown promise in some reports when used in the hyper inflammatory stage of the disease. Methods: Two patients who were Intensive Care Unit (ICU) requiring were administered 400 mg of Tocilizumab as a single dose after having been diagnosed with features of a Cytokine Release Syndrome. Results: Both patients responded positively with a decrease in symptomatology and inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Patients who present in the hyper-inflammatory stage of SARS-CoV-2 may be considered for Intravenous (IV) Tocilizumab therapy.