In:
Acta Haematologica, S. Karger AG, Vol. 145, No. 4 ( 2022), p. 440-447
Abstract:
〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Tocilizumab has been proposed as an effective treatment for severe COVID-19. We aimed to investigate whether tocilizumab administration is associated with increased availability of serum iron which may possibly be associated with adverse effects on clinical outcomes. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 We performed an observational, retrospective cohort study. We included adults, who were hospitalized in ICU with the diagnosis of severe COVID-19 infection eligible for tocilizumab treatment. Laboratory data including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein levels of all patients were collected shortly before and 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after tocilizumab administration. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 During the study period, 15 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were eligible to receive tocilizumab treatment. Tocilizumab therapy was associated with a prominent increase in serum iron and transferrin saturation levels (26 ± 13 μg/dL and 15 ± 8% before treatment and 79 ± 32 μg/dL and 41 ± 15% 72 h after treatment, respectively, 〈 i 〉 p 〈 /i 〉 & #x3c; 0.001) and decrease in serum ferritin levels (1,921 ± 2,071 ng/mL before and 1,258 ± 1,140 ng/mL 72 h after treatment, 〈 i 〉 p 〈 /i 〉 = 0.027). 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Treatment of severe COVID-19 patients with tocilizumab is associated with a profound increase in serum iron and ferritin saturation levels along with a decrease in ferritin levels. This may represent an undesirable side effect that may potentiate viral replication.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0001-5792
,
1421-9662
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1481888-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
80008-9
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