COVID-19 COVALESCENT PLASMA
There are limited therapeutic options to treat COVID-19, and COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is currently one of the most common treatments for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood that is collected from patients who have recovered from the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. It contains neutralizing antibodies against the virus.
However, so far limited data on efficacy have been available. Additional data in support of the safety and efficacy of treatment with convalescent plasma from a meta-analysis have recently been published. A meta-analysis is a quantitative, formal, epidemiological study design used to systematically assess the results of previous research to derive conclusions about that body of research. Typically, but not necessarily, the study is based on randomized, controlled clinical trials.
This meta-analysis of 12 studies from all over the world (including 3 randomized controlled trials) suggests CCP reduces mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The data provide evidence favouring the efficacy of human convalescent plasma as a therapeutic agent in hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients.
The mortality rate in 804 hospitalized patients who received CCP was 13% compared to 25% in patients who received standard care, which is a significant difference.
Currently, around 55,000 patients have been treated with CCP, but the demand is higher than the supply. Over 84,000 patients have requested CCP. To this end, the international Transfusion Medicine community issued a Global Call to Action to donate plasma.
In the U.S. the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering granting Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). WHO is advocating strongly to promote the motivation of suitable post-COVID-19 patients to donate their convalescent plasma, and Blood Establishments to process and distribute such plasma to hospitals for clinical use in severe COVID-19 patient.
Rotary Action Group for Blood Donation support these initiatives and calls for action through the members and their Clubs all over the world.
Prof. Cees Th. Smit Sibinga, MD, PhD, FRCP Edin, FRCPath
Vice-President RAG BD.