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[Clinical observation of 6 severe COVID-19 patients treated with plasma exchange or tocilizumab]

Song Luo1, Lijuan Yang2, Chun Wang1

  • 1Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China.

Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical Sciences
|May 12, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Plasma exchange significantly reduced inflammation and improved outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients. Tocilizumab showed no significant effect on inflammation or patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to excessive inflammatory responses.
  • Identifying effective treatments for severe COVID-19 is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical efficacy of plasma exchange and tocilizumab in managing severe COVID-19.
  • To assess the impact of these treatments on inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving six severe COVID-19 patients.
  • Three patients received plasma exchange, and three received tocilizumab.
  • Observed effects on inflammatory reactions and clinical parameters.

Main Results:

  • Plasma exchange led to significant reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels.
  • Patients treated with plasma exchange showed improved lymphocyte counts and prothrombin time.
  • Tocilizumab did not significantly decrease inflammation markers or improve clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma exchange appears to be a preferred treatment for severe COVID-19 patients experiencing hyperinflammation.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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