Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Platelet-Rich Plasma Lysate for Treatment of Eye Surface Diseases
Published on: August 2, 2022
The Convalescent Plasma Craze! Where Does India Stand?
Arcot J Priyadarsini1, Kumar Karan1, Subramanian Arulselvi2
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Convalescent plasma therapy, an ancient treatment, is being explored for COVID-19. This review discusses its pros, cons, and feasibility in India, a nation with a high number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- India ranks second globally in COVID-19 cases, necessitating diverse treatment strategies.
- The pandemic has revived interest in convalescent plasma therapy, a treatment modality with historical precedent.
- Developing nations like India face unique challenges in adopting novel medical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages and disadvantages of using convalescent plasma transfusion for treating COVID-19 patients.
- To assess the practical implementation and logistical hurdles of convalescent plasma therapy in the Indian context.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.
- Articles were selected to provide a balanced overview of convalescent plasma therapy.
- Expert opinion was incorporated regarding the feasibility in India.
Main Results:
- Convalescent plasma therapy offers potential benefits but also carries risks.
- Implementation in India requires addressing specific logistical and resource-related challenges.
- The review synthesizes existing knowledge and expert perspectives.
Conclusions:
- Convalescent plasma therapy is a viable, albeit challenging, option for COVID-19 treatment in India.
- Careful consideration of feasibility and logistics is crucial for successful implementation.
- Further research and standardized protocols are needed for widespread adoption.
Abstract:
India becomes the country with second highest number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases (59,03,932) as of September 2020. As the world debates various treatment options, the current pandemic has led to the resurgence of an ancient technique, namely convalescent plasma therapy. Although it has been in use from the late 19th century, it is an uncharted territory for most developing nations. In this article, we have discussed the pros and cons of convalescent plasma transfusion in COVID-19 patients. Articles discussed in this review have been obtained from search engines, namely PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. We have also expressed our viewpoint on the feasibility and logistical challenges of convalescent plasma use in India.
