Abstract
Started in late 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly turned into a global pandemic. Considering there is no proven therapy for COVID-19 infection, there is a need to propose potential treatment options. The use of convalescent plasma is one such option as convalescent plasma has previously been used for treating outbreaks of Ebola, influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory (SAR) viruses. Therefore, we carried out an early systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy and its effects on COVID-19 patient outcomes. A structured and rigorous systematic review was carried out that included all studies conducted on this topic between December 2019 and June 2020. A total of 10 studies containing a mix of case reports, case series, observational studies, and randomized control trials were identified. Most of the studies lacked randomization and included only small groups of patients. Considering the limitations in the design of current studies, it is difficult to draw a definitive conclusion. However, our results showed that plasma therapy produces notable improvements in patients' clinical symptoms and radiological and biochemical parameters associated with COVID-19 infection. Based on the available information, it is difficult to draw a tangible conclusion about whether plasma therapy improves patient mortality. Until we have concrete evidence to prove otherwise, convalescent plasma therapy may be used as adjuvant therapy for treating COVID-19 infection in critically ill patients.
Highlights
BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has turned into a rapidly evolving pandemic
Convalescent blood products include whole blood, plasma, serum, and isolates such as immunoglobulins and antibodies. These products are gathered from a patient who has already recovered from an infection and is a possible human source of specific antibodies [4]
COVID-19 is a global pandemic with no proven treatment
Summary
BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has turned into a rapidly evolving pandemic. As of 13th July 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the number of COVID-19 cases has reached 12,768,307, and the recorded death toll has crossed 566,654 [1]. WHO estimates that the COVID-19 related mortality curve will level off at 5.7% [2]. The treatment for COVID-19 is largely symptomatic. There are no proven treatments for COVID-19 [3]. Convalescent blood products include whole blood, plasma, serum, and isolates such as immunoglobulins and antibodies. These products are gathered from a patient who has already recovered from an infection and is a possible human source of specific antibodies [4]
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