Epidural Abscesses as a Complication of Interleukin-6 Inhibitor and Dexamethasone Treatment in a Patient with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Report
A 66-year-old female patient was hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, which led to hypoxia requiring oxygen support with high-flow nasal cannulae. She received anti-inflammatory treatment with a 10-day dexamethasone 6 mg PO course and a single infusion of IL-6 monoclonal antibody tocilizumab...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-04-01
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| Series: | Medicina |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/4/771 |
| Summary: | A 66-year-old female patient was hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, which led to hypoxia requiring oxygen support with high-flow nasal cannulae. She received anti-inflammatory treatment with a 10-day dexamethasone 6 mg PO course and a single infusion of IL-6 monoclonal antibody tocilizumab 640 mg IV. Treatment led to gradual reduction of oxygen support. However, on Day 10, she was found to have <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteremia with epidural, psoas, and paravertebral abscesses as the source. Targeted history taking revealed a dental procedure for periodontitis 4 weeks prior to hospitalization as the probable source. She received an 11-week antibiotic treatment, which led to resolution of the abscesses. This case report highlights the importance of individual infection risk assessment before the initiation of immunosuppressive treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia. |
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| ISSN: | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |