Tocilizumab improves survival in severe COVID-19 pneumonia with persistent hypoxia: a retrospective cohort study with follow-up from Mumbai, India.

Background: Cytokine storm triggered by Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with high mortality. With high Interleukin -6 (IL-6) levels reported in COVID-19 related deaths in China, IL-6 is considered to be the key player in COVID-19 cytokine storm. Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-6 receptor, is used on compassionate grounds for treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm.

Incidence and outcome of ventilator associated pneumonia.

Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the commonest infection acquired in intensive care unit. VAP is associated with increased patients mortality and morbidity. Many cases of VAP may be prevented by simple preventive strategies.