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Potential predictors of outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with convalescent plasma: a
Sridhar Chilimuri1, Maleeha Zahid1, Nikhitha Mantri1
1Department of Medicine, Bronx Care Health System, Bronx, NY, USA.
Insights
Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy showed varied outcomes for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Male sex and certain symptoms predicted improved oxygenation, while other factors indicated decreased survival in this safety net hospital study.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant global health challenge.
- Convalescent plasma (CP) is one therapeutic intervention explored for severe cases.
- This study examines CP therapy's impact in an inner-city safety net hospital setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of convalescent plasma therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- To identify patient characteristics associated with improved or decreased survival after CP treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19.
- Analysis of data from 60 patients who received convalescent plasma therapy.
- Multivariate regression analysis to identify predictors of outcomes.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms included shortness of breath and cough; hypertension and diabetes were prevalent comorbidities.
- Male sex, nausea, and loss of appetite were associated with improved oxygenation post-CP.
- Factors like obstructive airway disease and ACE inhibitor use correlated with decreased survival.
Conclusions:
- Convalescent plasma therapy outcomes vary among COVID-19 patients in safety net hospitals.
- Understanding patient characteristics is crucial for predicting response to CP.
- Further research is needed to optimize CP therapy for specific patient populations.
Abstract:
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is a major international public health crisis, which has led to over 3 million deaths as of April 2021. Several therapeutics have been tried for this deadly illness including antivirals, immunosuppressive agents and convalescent plasma (CP). In this study, we present our inner-city safety net hospital experience with CP therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were treated with CP. Results: A total of 60 patients received CP during the study period. The mean age for patients in this study was 58.95 years. The most common presenting symptoms were shortness of breath (85%) and cough (73%). Hypertension (65%) and diabetes mellitus (55%) were the most common comorbidities in our patients. In our multivariate regression analysis, male sex, nausea and loss of appetite at presentation were associated with improvement in oxygenation after CP. Total survival time, history of obstructive airway disease, home use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers were associated with decreased survival, whereas Hispanic ethnicity showed a trend towards lower survival after CP therapy. Conclusions: Our study highlights several important characteristics of inner-city safety net hospital patient population who might benefit from CP therapy.
