Divergent impacts of tocilizumab and colchicine in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy: the role of alpha-defensins.

ABSTRACT: Patients who are severely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may develop a delayed onset 'cytokine storm', which includes an increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6). This may be followed by a pro-thrombotic state and increased D-dimers. It was anticipated that tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, would mitigate inflammation and coagulation in patients with COVID-19. However, clinical trials with TCZ have recorded an increase in D-dimer levels. In contrast to TCZ, colchicine reduced D-dimer levels in patients with COVID-19. To understand how the two anti-inflammatory agents have diverse effects on D-dimer levels, we present data from two clinical trials that we performed. In the first trial, TCZ was administered (8 mg/kg) to patients who had a positive polymer

SUBMITTER: Abdeen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8653210 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature