Background:Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist has been used in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as an anti-cytokine agent. IL-6 also plays a complex role in hemostasis and thrombosis. We observed a transient elevation of D-dimer in our patients who received Tocilizumab, which triggered the current study.Methods:A retrospective hospital-based cohort analysis of patients with confirmed COVID-19 who received Tocilizumab during the study period of 03/15/2020 to 05/20/2020. We retrieved demographic, clinical and laboratory data, we excluded patients who were receiving therapeutic anticoagulation therapy prior to Tocilizumab administration. Descriptive analysis was performed, the cause of death and trends of D-dimer and inflammatory markers were studied. Results: Out of the 436 confirmed COVID 19 patients admitted during the study period, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Their median age was 47.5 years old. They were 18 males and 6 females; 15 patients survived, and 9 expired. Of the group that survived, 12 received therapeutic anticoagulation. Of the 7 patients who did not receive therapeutic anticoagulation, 4 expired, 1 from sepsis and 3 probably from thromboembolic complications, compared to 5 deaths in the 17 patients who received therapeutic anticoagulation with 4 dying from sepsis, and one possibly from thromboembolic complications.Conclusions:The interplay between IL-6, IL-6 receptor antagonist and venous thromboembolism are complex. We observed a transient elevation of D-dimer in COVID-19 patients who received Tocilizumab, and a trend toward increased death secondary to thromboembolism. This observation is novel and highlights the potential thrombophilic side effects of Tocilizumab.