Galván-Román JM, Rodríguez-García SC, Roy-Vallejo E, et al. - Researchers examined the predictive value of baseline IL-6 serum levels for the need for  invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and the response to tocilizumab (TCZ) in hospitalized patients diagnosed of COVID-19. They obtained clinical information and laboratory findings, including IL-6 levels, approximately 3 and 9 days following admission to be matched with pre- and post-administration of TCZ. They studied 146 patients [male (66%); median age: 63 years]. Of these, IMV was required in 44 patients (30%), and treatment with TCZ was provided to 58 patients (40%). The best predictor for IMV was IL-6 levels > 30 pg/ml. Baseline IL-6 > 30 pg/ml contributes to establish an adequate indication for TCZ administration. Patients with high IL-6 had improvement of oxygenation (PaO 2/FiO 2) in correlation with early receipt of TCZ.