Article PDF :

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Article type :

Original Article

Author :

Hemant P Thacker, Dnyaneshwar Halnor, Amit Dhekane, Nivedita Wadhwa, Shalaka Patil, Bhavesh Gandhi, Janardan Nimbolkar, Ajit Avhad

Volume :

6

Issue :

1

Abstract :

Introduction: Cytokine release syndrome caused by excessive release of cytokines due to activation of T-cells and monocytes is directly associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Itolizumab, an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody, basis its mechanism of action might have a potential role in reducing inflammatory markers and thereby improving clinical outcomes in moderate to severe COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined records of patients with moderate or severe COVID-19 disease who were treated with Itolizumab. Eligible patients were those deteriorating clinically, requiring oxygen support or showing rapid rise in inflammatory markers and administered Itolizumab along with best supportive care. Clinical manifestations (oxygen requirement) and laboratory parameters (CRP and ferritin) were studied pre- and post-treatment. Results: A total of 27 patients with mean age of 55.63 years (81.5% male) were included. Most common comorbid conditions were hypertension (48.1%), diabetes (44.4%), and coronary artery disease (11.1%). The mean CRP from baseline reduced by 52.68% (91 mg/L pre dose to 43mg/L post dose) at an average time of 6.4 ± 2.5 days. The mean Ferritin levels reduced by 17.41 % (407 ng/ml pre dose to 336 ng/ml post dose) at an average time of 4.6 ± 2.2 days. Mean baseline oxygen saturation improved from 93.4% to 96.1%. All patients showed clinical improvement and got discharged. The mean hospitalization time was 12.2 ± 3.9 days. No serious adverse events or infusion related reactions were reported. Conclusions: Treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19 disease with Itolizumab along with best supportive care showed reduction in inflammatory markers and improvement in oxygen saturation levels. Itolizumab has shown potential to accelerate recovery time in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.