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Convalescent plasma therapy for Covid-19: A systematic review
Tulika Seth1, Arunmozhimaran Elavarasi2, Ranjit Kumar Sahoo3
1Department of Clinical Haematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|May 28, 2021
Summary
Convalescent plasma (CP) shows potential benefits for COVID-19 patients, but evidence quality is low. More rigorous randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this COVID-19 therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitates effective treatments.
- Convalescent plasma (CP) is being explored as a potential therapy.
- Antibodies in CP may neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review available data on convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of CP treatment.
- To synthesize evidence for clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of published and pre-published studies (Jan 2019 - June 2020).
- Inclusion of studies comparing CP with standard therapy for COVID-19.
- Data abstraction and analysis for efficacy/safety, with critical appraisal using Joanna Briggs Institute tools and GRADE for evidence quality.
Main Results:
- 13 studies (12 case series, 1 RCT) met criteria.
- 11 of 12 case series reported favorable efficacy outcomes, including survival benefit.
- The single RCT showed no mortality benefit and was terminated early; safety data from a large study indicated no major adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence for convalescent plasma efficacy and safety in COVID-19 is of very low quality.
- Well-designed randomized controlled trials are essential for robust data.
- Further research is urgently needed to confirm the role of CP in COVID-19 treatment.
