Convalescent plasma transfusion offers promise for patients with COVID-19

Researchers evaluated the benefit of convalescent plasma transfusion in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Study design

This case series included 5 critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome. They were treated with convalescent plasma transfusion at the Third People's Hospital in Shenzhen, China, between January 20 and March 25, 2020. Transfusions occurred between 10 and 22 days after admission.

Outcomes

The viral load declined in all 5 patients, becoming negative after 12 days of treatment, while SARS-CoV-2-specific ELISA and neutralizing antibody titers increased. By day 3, the body temperatures of 4 patients normalized and CT scans showed improvement of pulmonary lesions. Three patients were also weaned off of mechanical ventilation by day 9 and 1 no longer required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support by day 5.

Limitations

The limitations of this study include a small sample size and lack of a control group. It is unclear if patients improved solely due to the plasma transfusion or as a result of combination therapy of multiple other agents and transfusions. Since the treatment was administered 10 to 22 days after admission, it is also difficult to determine the optimal timing of this therapy.

Clinical significance

The use of convalescent plasma has shown promise in treatment of Ebola, SARS, H5N1 avian influenza and H1N1 influenza. Future clinical trials may help elucidate the promise and efficacy of convalescent plasma transfusion for patients with COVID-19.