Plasma Therapy Research Articles

Determination of information, attitudes and behaviors about immune plasma donation of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19

Background: Immune plasma therapy is an effective solution in pandemic conditions until an effective and proven treatment is found. In this process, a large number of volunteers who accept to be immune plasma donors are needed. Therefore, being informed about the hesitation of the donors regarding plasma donation will be a guide for voluntary donor recruitment. The aim of this research was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals diagnosed with Covid 19 about immune plasma donation. Materials and Methods: This is cross-sectional research. Between January and May 2021, individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 who received treatment in a training and research hospital's Covid 19 clinics were included. Results: The mean age of the participants was 43.79±11.47 years, 45.5% (n=100) female and 55% (n=120) male. 46.36% of the participants are considering becoming immune plasma donors. One of the factors that prevent being an immune plasma donor is the thought that "it may negatively affect my health. "Half of the participants do not know whether sufficient immune plasma donation is made in the country. Conclusions: The health care system needs to be strengthened about immune plasma donation during the pandemic process. In addition, efforts should be made to eliminate the hesitations of the public about donations.

Convalescent Plasma Transfusion in Severe or critically ill COVID 19 patients: A Rapid Systematic Review

Currently, there is no availability of any proven specific treatment or prevention strategy to fight against COVID-19. Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy is expected to increase survival rates in COVID-19 as in the case of emerging viral infection (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV). To collect all the studies relevant to CP therapy in critically ill or severe COVID-19 patients and summarize the findings. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA consensus statement. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases on April 25, 2020. A total of six studies (28 patients) relevant to CP therapy in severe or critical COVID-19 are considered for inclusion. Two authors extracted the data about study characteristics, demographics, symptoms, co-morbidities, clinical classification of COVID-19, drug therapies, oxygen therapy, laboratory results, chest CT, neutralizing antibody titer, SARS-CoV-2 RNA load, aal outcome. The review findings revealed that CP therapy increases lymphocyte count, reduced s serum inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, Procalcitonin) and liver enzyme levels (AST or ALT). There was a rise in serum neutralizing antibody titers in 10 of 14 patients after CP transfusion. In 4 of 14 patients, the titer levels remain unchanged after CP transfusion. All 28 cases (100%) achieved negative to the SARS-CoV-2 RNA after CP transfusion. The convalescent plasma transfusion can improve neutralizing antibody titers and reduces the viral load in severe/critical COVID-19 patients. The review recommends a well-controlled trial design is required to give a definite statement on the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in severe/critical COVID-19.

Assessment of the potential value of combining western medicine therapies with traditional chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19: Mechanistic perspectives.

The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since early 2020 is one of the most significant global health issues in history. Although there is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19, researchers have provided a whole array of potential treatments, both from the Western medicine approach, which is molecular target and pathogenesis based, and from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach, which is based on the exposure to toxins/pathogens and the balance of the body to combat them for recovery. The aim of this research is to find combinations of Western medicine and TCM that may offer better therapeutic efficacy synergystically with a better adverse events profile. The findings of the research may provide a new insight in the development of the treatment of COVID-19. From the Western medicine perspective, drugs target the mechanisms of viral infection, including the stages of viral entry (Arbidol, Camostat Mesylate, Convalescent Plasma therapy) and viral replication (Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Redemsivir, Ribavirin). Additional therapies target host defenses, preventing cytokine storms (Tocilizumab) and stimulating the immune system (Interferons). On the other hand, TCM also proposed a number of treatment methods for COVID-19 with new scientific approaches identifying their antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. The novel combination of Western medicine and TCM can be proposed by analyzing their respective molecular targets. Although TCM is not generally accepted in the Western community because of the general lack of knowledge on their detailed mechanisms, studies and clinical trials suggest that TCM could be beneficial in combating COVID-19. Based on the principle of combining TCM and Western medicine, two combinations are tested effective in clinical trials, and three possible combinations that might be effective are proposed in the paper.

Podium Presentation Title: The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Rate and Timing of Meniscectomy

Podium Presentation Title: The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Rate and Timing of Meniscectomy

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) associated with COVID 19 infection and vaccination, A case report and literature review. (P10-5.022)

<h3>Objective:</h3> N/A <h3>Background:</h3> Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an inflammatory disorder, caused by many etiologies, whether post infectious or autoimmune. Rarely, TM cases have been reported after both COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. We describe our experience with TM after COVID-19 infection and conduct a literature review. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We report a case of ATM after COVID-19 infection and present a comprehensive literature review of TM cases reported after COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. The literature search was done using PubMed and Google scholar and selected peer-reviewed articles. The search included all cases from Jan 2020 to Sept 2022. <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 60 TM cases reported association with post-COVID-19 infection and 23 TM cases reported association with post-COVID-19 vaccinations. Among post-COVID-19 TM cases, the mean age was 49 years, and the youngest reported is 7month-old. 55% (33) of them are longitudinally extensive TM (LETM). The most common symptom is lower extremity weakness. 1 case was reported as necrotizing myelitis on biopsy, and another case was overlap syndrome of GBS with longitudinal TM. No cases reported the use of convalescent plasma therapy after infection. Almost all TM cases were treated with steroids, but some cases needed additional treatment since not all responded adequately. 6 cases (10%) responded with steroids + plasmapheresis, 5 cases (8%) responded with steroids + IVIG especially in the pediatric age group. One case reported a positive response after treatment with eculizumab, and another with infliximab. 2 cases (3%) remained paraparetic. Among post-covid-19 vaccine TM cases, 4 cases (17%) were reported LETM. 5 cases (21%) had symptom onset within a week after vaccination. Almost all of them reported responding with steroids except one case reported fatal after 58th day after vaccination. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> TM, post-COVID-19 infection, has been described in multiple cases, as well as being a rare complication of COVID-19 vaccination. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Medavarapu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Anziska has nothing to disclose.

Stem-Cell, Shockwave, and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease: A Survey of Clinics Across the USA

To identify clinics offering off-label therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie's disease (Pyd) including stem cell, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and shockwave therapy and to determine the transparency they provided to patients inquiring about these treatment modalities. Clinics were identified in different regions in the US using a systematic search on online website directories and were approached by asking a series of standardized questions regarding the cost of treatment, duration of therapy, the medical staff involved, and patient outcome data. A total of 26 clinics were surveyed for stem cell therapy, 26 for PRP treatment, and 27 for shockwave therapy. Of the 79 clinics contacted, 93.7% provided some answers to the questions we asked, with a majority offering treatments for both ED and Pyd. The cost of treatment varied widely between clinics. The average cost per stem cell therapy injection was $5291, PRP per injection was $1336, and shockwave therapy per session was $413. A physician was involved in 67% of treatments, and only 6 of 79 clinics reported that a urologist was involved. Over 75% of the clinics reported patient satisfaction following treatment. Durability of benefits to patients ranged from months to years according to the clinics' reports. Our data not only demonstrate the widespread use of off-label therapies for ED and PyD across the United States but also the lack of scientific data to support the claims made to patients. This study highlights the need for more oversight and standardization in novel regenerative therapies for ED and PyD.

Convalescent Plasma Therapy in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-1, an RNA virus of the betacoronavirus genus, making it the seventh coronavirus infecting humans. Because particular therapies are still in the research stage, no confirmed treatment for this illness has been agreed upon by the World Health Organization (WHO) or other clinical institutes. The reason is that there are many different potential remedies. Antiviral treatments like favipiravir, oseltamivir, and remdesivir have been investigated and tested. On the other hand, the outcomes of the replies of patients who were given these medications are still quite inconsistent. Furthermore, the COVID-19 mortality rate has remained at a level of less than 5.21 percent of cases that have been documented. Patients suffering from COVID-19 may be treated with convalescent plasma, a therapeutic option that utilizes a mix of neutralizing antibodies and other immunological components. Activation of body-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytic activity against COVID-19 will occur due to this immunological component. This medication also has the potential to reduce the systemic inflammatory response brought on by COVID-19. Clinical improvement was different after 28 days when convalescent plasma was used as a treatment for patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms and emergency conditions compared to patients treated with conventional therapy alone. However, it is not very significant.

INVESTIGATING ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COLD PLASMA IN TREATING SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Objective: To describe the adverse effects of cold plasma therapy in treating burns. Method: A descriptive study was conducted, following 67 patients with second and third degree burns treated with cold plasma therapy for 10 seconds/cm2. The patients were monitored for pain, burning sensation, and itching during and after the treatment. Results: The study showed a significant decrease in pain among the patients, from 28.4% to 7.5% after treatment. Out of 298 treatments, 56.9% of the patients did not report any pain, while 40.1% reported mild pain, and only 2% reported moderate pain. There were no cases of severe burning sensation, and the sensation reduced significantly after the treatment. The patients reported a decrease in itching sensation after the treatment, with 88.1% reporting no itching. Only 1 patient (0.3%) reported mild itching sensation. Conclusion: Cold plasma therapy is a safe and effective treatment for burns with minimal adverse effects. The adverse effects such as pain, burning sensation, and itching were mild and significantly reduced after the treatment.

Severe COVID-19: Drugs and Clinical Trials.

By January of 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a reported total of 6,700,883 deaths and 662,631,114 cases worldwide. To date, there have been no effective therapies or standardized treatment schemes for this disease; therefore, the search for effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies is a primary goal that must be addressed. This review aims to provide an analysis of the most efficient and promising therapies and drugs for the prevention and treatment of severe COVID-19, comparing their degree of success, scope, and limitations, with the aim of providing support to health professionals in choosing the best pharmacological approach. An investigation of the most promising and effective treatments against COVID-19 that are currently available was carried out by employing search terms including "Convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19" or "Viral polymerase inhibitors" and "COVID-19" in the Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases. From the current perspective and with the information available from the various clinical trials assessing the efficacy of different therapeutic options, we conclude that it is necessary to standardize certain variables-such as the viral clearance time, biomarkers associated with severity, hospital stay, requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate-in order to facilitate verification of the efficacy of such treatments and to better assess the repeatability of the most effective and promising results.

Baricitinib for alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata is a disease in which an active immune response is triggered against the hair follicles, causing hair loss. The extent of this hair loss is proportional to the number of hair follicles attacked. Alopecia areata is classified into three types depending on the area of hair fall: alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis. Alopecia areata has an approximate worldwide prevalence of 1 in 1000 people1. The current, well-known treatment of alopecia areata is intralesional corticosteroid injections, with 60-70% of patients reporting some form of hair growth afterward, while other treatments include topical immunotherapy, Minoxidil, and Anthralin2. Similar treatment methods, along with hair transplants and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, are used in Pakistan, which has been effective to some extent in controlling or stopping the progression of the condition3. Baracitinib, which has already been approved for rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis, is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks the proteins known as JAK enzymes, which are involved in immune signalling and inflammation. It is unclear as to how the immune system of the body causes alopecia areata. A possible mechanism is by sending out signals that interrupt the events of hair growth. Baracitinib stops the communication among the immune cells responsible for causing hair loss which ultimately inhibits the signals mentioned above and lessens the response to injury, resulting in hair regrowth4. Thus, it can be thought of as a potential treatment for severe alopecia areata. Recently, in June 2022, FDA approved baricitinib as the first systematic treatment for alopecia areata after two clinical trials were conducted by Brett King et al. The trial showed promising results regarding the use of barticinib as after 36 weeks of exposure, oral baricitinib outperformed placebo in terms of promoting hair growth in patients with severe alopecia areata. The proportion of participants that achieved at least 80% scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks was estimated to be 38.8% with 4-mg baricitinib, 22.8% with 2-mg baricitinib, and 6.2% with placebo in trial 1 and 35.9%, 19.4%, and 3.3%, respectively, in trial 25. ---Continue

Staphylococcus aureus strains exhibit heterogenous tolerance to direct cold atmospheric plasma therapy

The global clinical and socioeconomic impact of chronic wounds is substantial. The main difficulty that clinicians face during the treatment of chronic wounds is the risk of infection at the wound site. Infected wounds arise from an accumulation of microbial aggregates in the wound bed, leading to the formation of polymicrobial biofilms that can be largely resistant to antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is essential for studies to identify novel therapeutics to alleviate biofilm infections. One innovative technique is the use of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) which has been shown to possess promising antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Here, different clinically relevant biofilm models will be treated with cold atmospheric plasma to assess its efficacy and killing effects. Biofilm viability was assessed using live dead qPCR, and morphological changes associated with CAP evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that CAP was effective against Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both as mono-species biofilms and when grown in a triadic model system. CAP also significantly reduced viability in the nosocomial pathogen, Candida auris. Staphylococcus aureus Newman exhibited a level of tolerance to CAP therapy, both when grown alone or in the triadic model when grown alongside C. albicans and P. aeruginosa. However, this degree of tolerance exhibited by S. aureus was strain dependent. At a microscopic level, biofilm treatment led to subtle changes in morphology in the susceptible biofilms, with evidence of cellular deflation and shrinkage. Taken together, these results indicate a promising application of direct CAP therapy in combatting wound and skin-related biofilm infections, although biofilm composition may affect the treatment efficacy.

Assessment of Efficacy and Safety Profile of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy with Derma Roller in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Assessment of Efficacy and Safety Profile of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy with Derma Roller in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Intra-articular Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequently presented joint disorder, and its treatment is often challenging. Current literature has controversial results regarding the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) when compared to placebo injections. This systematic review investigates the role of intra-articular PRP injections as a recommended treatment option for knee OA with the potential to establish appropriate guidelines for treating physicians. Method: This review used PUBMED, Cochrane and CINHAL database. A thorough review of literature examining PRP injections as treatment options for knee OA was performed. Two independent reviewers evaluated the studies against inclusion and exclusion criterias. The WOMAC stiffness score, VAS Score, and KOOS score were used to assess efficacy of PRP treatment. Twelve articles met the criteria for inclusion and were analysed in this study. Results: PRP injections caused a significantly better improvement in WOMAC stiffness score (25.5%), VAS Score (31.7%), and KOOS score (6.2%) after six months of treatment. Conclusion: This review demonstrated significant improvement in pain relief and stiffness levels in patients with knee OA receiving intra-articular PPR when compared to placebo. Further research is required to establish the optimum dose and duration of treatment with PRP injections for knee OA.

Effect of cold atmospheric plasma therapy on wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionDiabetic foot ulcer (DFU), one of the most common and serious consequences of diabetes, affects many individuals and often leads to amputation, death and other disastrous outcomes. Diabetic foot ulcers...

Immunomodulation Effect of Convalescent Plasma Therapy in Severe - Critical COVID-19 Patients.

Convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) is an alternative therapy for managing COVID-19, but its use is still controversial. Analyzing the effectiveness of CPT in modulating immune responses based on SARS-COV-2 anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (s-RBD) IgG, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-4), and mortality in severe-critical COVID-19 patients. This study was an observational analytical with a prospective cohort design. The number of participants was 39 patients from June to December 2020. The participants received CPT and was tested for blood analysis such as IL-4, IL-6 and s-RBD IgG. The data were taken a day before CPT, 1st day, 2nd day, and 7th day after CPT. The analysis included Friedman, Pearson correlation, and Mann-Whitney test which is significant if p <0.05. The value of participant's s-RBD IgG before CPT was 91.49 (0.43-3074.73) AU/mL and the 7th day post-CPT, s-RBD IgG value of 1169.79 (6.48-5577.91) AU/mL (p <0.001). The IL-4 value before CPT was 1.78 (0.85-5.21) ng/mL and the 7th day post-CPT, IL-4 value of 1.97 (0.87-120.30) ng/mL (p = 0.401). The condition was also found in IL-6 value, in which the IL-4 value participant before CPT was 109.61 (0.73-4701.63) ng/mL and the 7th day post-CPT, IL-6 value of 1.97 (0.87-120.30) ng/mL (p = 0.401). No significant correlation found between increased s-RBD IgG level with increased IL-4 and decreased IL-6 before and after CPT in severe-critical COVID-19 patients (p >0.05). No significant correlation was also found between increased s-RBD IgG levels, IL-4 too, and decreased IL-6 after CPT therapy between deceased and alive patients, both in 1st, 2nd, and 7th days (p >0.05). No correlation between the increase in s-RBD IgG levels and changes in IL-4 and IL-6 levels. Changes in s-RBD IgG, IL-4, and IL-6 levels are not associated with mortality in severe-critical COVID-19 degree post CPT recipients.

Early, very high-titre convalescent plasma therapy in clinically vulnerable individuals with mild COVID-19 (COVIC-19): protocol for a randomised, open-label trial

IntroductionCOVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is a possible treatment option for COVID-19. A comprehensive number of clinical trials on CCP efficacy have already been conducted. However, many aspects of CCP treatment...

323 Efficacy of Extracorporeal Plasma Therapy for Adult Native Kidney Patients With Primary FSGS: A Systematic Review

323 Efficacy of Extracorporeal Plasma Therapy for Adult Native Kidney Patients With Primary FSGS: A Systematic Review

Reactive oxygen species overload: a review of plasma therapy and photobiomodulation for cancer treatment

Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONPRODUCTION, FUNCTION AND REGULATION OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN CELLSREACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN CANCER CELLSCANCER CELL SIGNALINGGENETIC INSTABILITYCELL DEATHEFFECT OF PLASMA THERAPY ON CANCER CELL REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIESEFFECT OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION ON CANCER CELL REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIESPLASMA AND PHOTOBIOMODULATION AS CANCER TREATMENTSCONCLUSIONACKNOWLEDGMENTSAUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONSCONFLICT OF INTERESTFUNDINGDATA AVAILABILITYSUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALSReferences

Enhancement of seed germination of Daucus carota sativus L. by non‐thermal plasma treatment

AbstractOne of the innovative and successful approaches for early seed sprouting, and development in an agricultural area is the utilization of non‐thermal plasma therapy. In this work, the surface of carrot (Daucus carota sativus L.) seeds was directly treated with low‐temperature plasma. Line frequency was used to produce dielectric barrier discharge at an applied ac voltage of 14.87 kV. Carrot seeds were treated under the produced discharge for 1–4 min employing an argon gas flow rate of 2 L/min. Various growth parameters and seed germination properties had been assessed for both untreated and plasma‐exposed seeds. Parameters such as final germination percentage, mean germination rate, coefficient of the velocity of germination, germination index, length of root and shoot, fresh weight, diameter, and the number of leaves were found to be increased in plasma‐treated seeds. Results from the experiment indicate an increment in vigour index I and vigour index II after plasma treatment. Similarly, significant mass loss and increased water absorption were both observed in the plasma‐treated seeds. The study of the results demonstrates that exposing seeds to plasma can be an effective method for the early growth of carrots.

Alternative Approach for the Treatment of Conjunctivochalasis: Plasma-Based Conjunctivoplasty.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of plasma-based conjunctivoplasty as a new surgical approach for conjunctivochalasis. This prospective, noncomparative, interventional study included research on 42 eyes of 33 patients who underwent plasma therapy because of conjunctivochalasis between February 2020 and December 2021. Maintaining a 2-mm distance from the limbus, at least 3 lines (approximately 2 mm deep) of plasma therapy were applied to the conjunctiva from the temporal quadrant to the nasal quadrant. Patient symptoms, the fluorescein clearance test, ocular surface integrity with fluorescein staining, the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, tear breakup time (TBUT), tear meniscus height, and complications were evaluated. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 67.3 ± 7.2 (range: 54-81) years. After surgery, the grades of conjunctivochalasis decreased in all patients. Although epiphora was present in 28 eyes (66.6%) preoperatively, none of the cases had epiphora during the follow-up period. The Ocular Surface Disease Index score improved significantly from 34.7 ± 10.3 preoperatively to 5.0 ± 4.2 3 months postoperatively ( P <0.001). Although the preoperative TBUT was 5.1 ± 2.2 seconds, the TBUT increased to 10.0 ± 2.3 seconds 3 months postoperatively ( P <0.001). Chemosis developed in only 1 eye (2.3%) and completely regressed with topical steroid treatment in the first postoperative week. Plasma-based conjunctivoplasty is a minimally invasive and simple surgery with less intraoperative and postoperative discomfort, a fast recovery, and can be suggested as an alternative approach to other treatment methods.