In the intervention group (standard therapy + adalimumab + pulsed corticosteroids), the Glasgow coma scale (GCS, scale to evaluate level of consciousness following brain injury) was improved while the duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter when compared to their counterparts in the control group (standard therapy + pulsed corticosteroids), according to the findings of a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Omid Yazdani et al. carried out this study to determine the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (monoclonal immunoglobulin antibody) and pulsed corticosteroids to treat people having severe acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

A total of 80 participants were randomly segregated into 2 groups: (i) Intervention group (n=40): Received standard therapy as per the national protocol of Iran + methylprednisolone + adalimumab, and (ii) Control group (n=40): Received standard therapy as per the national protocol of Iran + methylprednisolone.

In comparison with the control group, the intervention group exhibited a remarkably shorter duration of hospitalization. In the intervention group, the serum levels of total bilirubin on the 9th day and GCS on the 9th day and 10th day were considerably elevated in comparison with the control group.

But, the direct bilirubin value on the 8th day, serum creatinine on the 8th, 9th and 10th days and also pericarditis/pericardial effusion on the 10th day were considerably reduced in the intervention group when compared to the control group. Thus, COVID-19 patients receiving adalimumab experience a shorter length of hospital stay and significant improvement in GCS.