Practical aspects of targeting IL-6 in COVID-19 disease.

Calabrese, Cassandra; Rajendram, Prabalini; Sacha, Gretchen L; Calabrese, Leonard · Cleve Clin J Med · 2020

review · Level V

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Abstract

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) took center stage as a therapeutic target, given its role in the cytokine storm phase of COVID-19. While IL-6 inhibitors have been widely used to treat a variety of immune-mediated disease states, they have not been used often in the intensive care setting, and new data question their efficacy. This brief review provides practical information on their administration and safety.