SEVERE HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA DUE TO TOCILIZUMAB IN COVID-19 TREATMENT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been extensively studied in recent years. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is recently used for the treatment of severe chronic inflammation in patients with COVID-19. However, there is a paucity of information on the side effects associated with the use of tocilizumab in patients with COVID-19. Thus, we aim is to present a case of a patient with complications after COVID-19 infection who received treatment with tocilizumab.

Case description: We present the case of a young, Caucasian, male patient with severe hypertriglyceridemia, acute pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus after tocilizumab treatment for COVID-19. This study was descriptive and observational, and its data were collected through detailed anamnesis and evaluation of laboratory and imaging tests performed after COVID-19 infection and hospitalization for the treatment of acute pancreatitis.

Conclusion: This case is a reminder that a broader understanding of this drug is imperative for healthcare providers to be able to identify and treat its side effects as early as possible.