IL-6 antagonists may be associated with lower mortality in adults hospitalized with COVID-19

AdARRC™ November 8, 2021 Monday Weekly Update
IL-6 antagonists may be associated with lower mortality in adults hospitalized with COVID-19

Question

Are interleukin-6 antagonists effective in decreasing mortality among persons hospitalized with COVID-19?

Conclusion

Based on this systematic review, it is unclear if IL-6 antagonists decrease mortality among persons hospitalized with COVID-19. Co-intervention with corticosteroids has muddied the waters, and the data so far are dominated by a single agent (tocilizumab). The other agents do not appear to be effective.

Reference

WHO Rapid Evidence Appraisal for COVID-19 Therapies (REACT) Working Group, Shankar-Hari M, Vale CL, et al. Association between administration of IL-6 antagonists and mortality among patients hospitalized for COVID-19: a meta-analysis. JAMA 2021;326(6):499-518.

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