Anti-inflammatory therapy in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: A single-center observational study

Aim: In our study, the effects of methylprednisolone and anakinra drugs in the treatment of hyperinflammation in severe COVID-19 patients were investigated.Material and Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, severe COVID-19 patients followed up with signs of hyperinflammation were examined. The patients were examined in the Sequential Treatment Group receiving high-dose methylprednisolone followed by Anakinra, and the concomitant treatment group receiving both at the same time. Inflammatory parameters, imaging findings, and way of leaving the intensive care unit of the patients were compared.Results: A total of 87 patients were included in the present study. In both treatment groups, an increase in lymphocyte levels and a decrease in CRP, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ferritin levels were detected at the end of treatment values compared to the initial treatment values. (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Also, LDH values after the treatment were significantly lower in the concomitant treatment group than in the sequential treatment group (p=0.049). In the present study, 53 of the patients were discharged with good recovery and 34 died. The mortality rate was 31% in the concomitant treatment group and 43% in the sequential treatment group. In terms of mortality, numerical findings in favor of the concurrent treatment group were determined.Discussion: In addition to the studies in the literature, it was found that the concomitant use of Methylprednisolone and Anakinra can be an effective treatment option that reduces mortality and improves inflammatory parameters.