Elevated interleukin‐6 and severe COVID‐19: A meta‐analysis

We read with interest the study by Luo et al1 that evaluates the efficacy of tocilizumab (antibody against interleukin-6 [IL-6]) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The authors shared an encouraging experience of utilizing this medication, particularly in patients at risk of developing chemokine storm secondary to COVID-19.1 IL-6, a chemokine, is an important biomarker of inflammation and has been shown in studies as an important predictor of severe COVID-19.2, 3 IL-6 is responsible for elevation of acute phase reactants, such as C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and hepcidin, and inhibition of albumin synthesis. The dysregulated production of IL-6 has been attributed to…