Superinfection risk in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective analysis of pulse steroid therapy with and without tocilizumab

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess culture positivity rates and the microbiological profile of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired superinfections in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with pulse-dose methylprednisolone, with or without adjunctive tocilizumab. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: = 115). Superinfections were defined as new bacterial or fungal infections occurring ≥ 48 hours after ICU admission. RESULTS: = 0.049) compared to the PS group. CONCLUSION: The addition of tocilizumab to pulse-dose methylprednisolone did not increase the risk of ICU-acquired superinfection.