Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment
Published on: April 19, 2024
[Therapeutic Effect of Convalescent Plasma Transfusion on Fulminant Viral Infectious Diseases--Review]
1Department of Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China.
Insights
Convalescent plasma therapy is an alternative treatment for COVID-19 due to a lack of specific drugs. This review examines its use in past viral infections to guide COVID-19 treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019, rapidly spreading globally.
- Specific antiviral drugs for COVID-19 are currently limited.
- Convalescent plasma therapy is being explored as a potential treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical studies and case reports of convalescent plasma therapy in previous viral infectious diseases.
- To provide insights and guidance for the application of convalescent plasma therapy in treating COVID-19.
- To clarify uncertainties regarding donor selection, patient suitability, treatment timing, dosage, and treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies and case reports.
- Analysis of convalescent plasma therapy in historical viral outbreaks.
- Synthesis of findings to inform COVID-19 treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Previous viral disease outbreaks have utilized convalescent plasma therapy with varying success.
- Key parameters such as donor selection, patient criteria, and treatment timing remain areas for optimization.
- The benefits and risks associated with convalescent plasma therapy require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Convalescent plasma therapy shows promise as an alternative treatment for COVID-19.
- Evidence from past viral infections suggests the need for standardized protocols.
- Further research is essential to optimize the use of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients.
Abstract:
Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has started to erupt in Wuhan since December 2019, and then the cases of COVID-19 increased rapidly, the epidemic situation spreaded to most area of China. Owing to the lack of specific drugs at present, convalescent plasma therapy becomes an alternative treatment. However, the choice of the donor, suitable patients, timing of treatment, administrate dose, the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment are not clear. This article reviews the clinical studies and case reports of convalescent plasma therapy in several previous viral infectious diseases in order to provide clues for the treatment of COVID-19.
More Related Videos
08:52Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Published on: May 27, 2011
11:18Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus
Published on: May 7, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care