Tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors decrease mortality in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Our study indicates a potential role for TNF-α inhibition in the treatment of COVID-19 as their use was associated with reduced mortality
Study context
- Population
- Patients with moderate-to-critical COVID-19
- Participants
- 1,393 patients · 7 studies
- Comparison
- TNF-α inhibitors vs standard of care
- Outcome
- Mortality
Methodological detailssubgroup analyses for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies, Search of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL up to August 12, 2024
- Subgroup analyses for RCTs and non-randomised studies
- Search of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL up to August 12, 2024
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
TNF-α inhibitors vs Standard of careOdds ratio (95% CI)P value
Mortality
0.67(0.44–1.00)
P = 0.052RCT subgroup, 3 studies; certainty of evidence: very low
0.75(0.58–0.97)
P = 0.042- NNT for mortality
- 16 (95% CI 9.0-inf.)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | OR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortality, RCT subgroup (3 studies)Certainty of evidence: very low · subgroup | 0.75 (0.58–0.97) | P = 0.042 | |
| 0.512Odds ratio (log scale) |
| Outcome | MD (mg/L) (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| CRP levels · 3 to 7 days post-treatmentSignificant reduction | - 21.9 (- 38.46 to - 5.34) | P = 0.024 |
Mortality, NNT
- NNT for mortality, TNF-α inhibitors vs standard of care
- 16 (95% CI 9.0-inf.)
Need for invasive mechanical ventilation
- No significant reduction in need for invasive mechanical ventilation: OR
- 0.95 (95% CI 0.46-1.94; P = 0.822)
Original publication
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors decrease mortality in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care. Published 6 June 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →