Background COVID-19 patients can develop a cytokine release syndrome that eventually leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Since interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a relevant cytokine in ARDS, the blockade of its receptor with Tocilizumab (TCZ) could reduce mortality and/or morbidity in severe COVID-19. Objective To determine whether baseline IL-6 serum levels can predict the need for IMV and the response to TCZ. Methods Retrospective observational study performed in hospitalized patients diagnosed of COVID-19. Clinical information and laboratory findings, including IL-6 levels, were collected approximately 3 and 9 days after admission to be matched with pre- and post-administration of TCZ. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions, and survival analysis were performed depending on outcomes: need for IMV, evolution of arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ) or mortality. Results One hundred and forty-six patients were studied, predominantly male (66%); median age was 63 years. Forty-four patients (30%) required IMV, and 58 patients (40%) received treatment with TCZ. IL-6 levels>30 pg/ml was the best predictor for IMV (OR:7.1; p<0.001). Early administration of TCZ was associated with improvement of oxygenation (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ) in patients with high IL-6 (p=0.048). Patients with high IL-6 not treated with TCZ showed high mortality (HR: 4.6; p=0.003), as well as those with low IL-6 treated with TCZ (HR: 3.6; p=0.016). No relevant serious adverse events were observed in TCZ-treated patients. Conclusion Baseline IL-6>30 pg/ml predicts IMV requirement in patients with COVID-19 and contributes to establish an adequate indication for TCZ administration.

A new quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan CMV Test, was developed using the first World Health Organization cytomegalovirus standard. It demonstrated a high level of interlaboratory agreement and precision compared to quantitative results obtained with tests used by 5 different laboratories.

Background and aim: In December 2019, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected in Wuhan. Within two months, it had begun to spread around the world in what became an unprecedented pandemic. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a state of immunosuppression may be considered at risk for complications in the COVID-19 pandemic, although there is increasing evidence postulating a possible protective role of selective immunosuppression. One group of such immunosuppressants used in MS comprises the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) ocrelizumab and rituximab. Anti-CD20 mAbs bind to the surface of B cells, causing their depletion. We describe our experience in seven cases of patients with multiple sclerosis who have been affected by SARS-COV-2 (with a clinical/serological diagnosis or PCR diagnosis) and who were being treated with anti-CD20+ monoclonal antibodies. Material and methods: We review the development of patients during infection as well as the resolution of their clinical picture. We also analyze the serology status against SARS-CoV-2 after resolution of the infection. Results: Although the severity of the clinical pictures was variable, patients' development was good. Not all patients, however, developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Patients treated with anti-CD20+ have adequate resolution of COVID-19 despite the fact that the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in all cases. It is possible that the presence of humoral immunity is not always necessary fora good clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces a broad spectrum of respiratory symptoms, from mild to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with an inflammatory syndrome that may increase damage to the lungs. Several hematopoietic and hemostatic abnormalities have been described, as well as autoimmune disorders. 1,2 2 | CASE HISTORY We report a 33-year-old woman, a surgical nurse, with no relevant medical history (although her sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma), who was admitted to the Hematology Department at our hospital with severe neutropenia, asthenia, and enlarged lymph nodes 11 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. On April 1, the patient presented at her family doctor (FD) with a sore throat, asthenia, and myalgia. SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction revealed positivity on oropharyngeal swabs obtained by the FD on April 2. She did not receive antiviral treatment, only acetaminophen when needed, and was discharged to her home to remain in isolation. Initially, her symptoms improved, but on April 13, she presented to the emergency department because of asthenia, gum swelling, and chills without fever or respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough. Her vital signs, including oxygen saturation, were normal, and physical examination showed mild enlargement of the cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes without other pathological findings. 2.1 | Investigations and treatment Blood counts showed mild leukopenia (3.07 × 10 9 /L) with severe neutropenia (0.33 × 10 9 /L) and eosinopenia (0.05 × 10 9 /L) with a normal lymphocyte count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count. No morphological abnormalities were observed in the peripheral blood smear. Blood biochemistry assessment showed an increased level of C-reactive protein (2.51 mg/dL; normal, <0.5 mg/dL). Her lactate dehydrogenase level, liver function, and renal function were normal. Her interleukin-6 level was 20 pg/mL (normal, <7 pg/ mL). She had a fibrinogen level of 603 mg/dL with a normal D-dimer level. Her chest radiography was normal, and the pregnancy test result was negative. A new oropharyngeal swab for the SARS-CoV-2 test was performed on April 14, which continued to show positivity.

COVID-19 has overloaded national health services worldwide. Thus, early identification of patients at risk of poor outcomes is critical. Our objective was to analyse SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in serum as a severity biomarker in COVID-19. Retrospective observational study including 193 patients admitted for COVID-19. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in serum (viremia) was performed with samples collected at 48–72 h of admission by two techniques from Roche and Thermo Fischer Scientific (TFS). Main outcome variables were mortality and need for ICU admission during hospitalization for COVID-19. Viremia was detected in 50–60% of patients depending on technique. The correlation of Ct in serum between both techniques was good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.612; p < 0.001). Patients with viremia were older (p = 0.006), had poorer baseline oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2; p < 0.001), more severe lymphopenia (p < 0.001) and higher LDH (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.021), C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.022) and procalcitonin (p = 0.002) serum levels. We defined "relevant viremia" when detection Ct was < 34 with Roche and < 31 for TFS. These thresholds had 95% sensitivity and 35% specificity. Relevant viremia predicted death during hospitalization (OR 9.2 [3.8–22.6] for Roche, OR 10.3 [3.6–29.3] for TFS; p < 0.001). Cox regression models, adjusted by age, sex and Charlson index, identified increased LDH serum levels and relevant viremia (HR = 9.87 [4.13–23.57] for TFS viremia and HR = 7.09 [3.3–14.82] for Roche viremia) as the best markers to predict mortality. Viremia assessment at admission is the most useful biomarker for predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. Viremia is highly reproducible with two different techniques (TFS and Roche), has a good consistency with other severity biomarkers for COVID-19 and better predictive accuracy.