Evaluating convalescent plasma therapy in severe COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy is a form of passive immunization which has been used as a treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CP therapy in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methodology: In this retrospective cohort study, 50 patients with severe COVID-19 treated with CP at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, in 2019 were evaluated. Eligible plasma donors were COVID-19 survivors with high IgG levels and no comorbidities. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including vital signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) levels, were measured before and after CP therapy at specified intervals including 24 h and 48 h post-therapy.

Results: The average age of the patients was 55.96 years, and 46% had comorbidities. No adverse effects from CP therapy were reported. Significant associations were observed between baseline ESR levels and factors such as age, comorbidities, hypertension history, and intubation status. However, there was no significant correlation between the outcomes of WBC, ESR, and CRP levels and the IgG levels in recipients.

Conclusions: CP therapy appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for severe COVID-19, especially in patients with certain baseline characteristics. These findings add valuable insights into the management of severe COVID-19 cases, although further research is needed to fully understand the implications and optimize treatment protocols.