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Convalescent plasma and COVID-19: Time for a second-second look?
Michael J Joyner1, Rickey E Carter2, DeLisa Fairweather3
1Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)
|September 11, 2022
Summary
The US Convalescent Plasma Program scaled up rapidly in 2020. Lessons learned from this experience can inform future pandemic responses involving convalescent plasma (CP) for novel infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid development and deployment of novel treatment strategies.
- Convalescent plasma (CP) emerged as a potential therapeutic option early in the pandemic.
- The US Convalescent Plasma Program was established to facilitate widespread access to CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To recount experiences leading the US Convalescent Plasma Program in 2020.
- To summarize the program's emergence and key lessons learned.
- To provide insights into the large-scale use of CP and its implications for future outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of experiences.
- It summarizes the establishment and operation of a national program.
- It includes high-level lessons and impressions based on program leadership.
Main Results:
- The US Convalescent Plasma Program was implemented at scale during the early pandemic.
- Key challenges and successes were encountered in program execution.
- The study identifies critical factors influencing the program's trajectory.
Conclusions:
- The large-scale use of CP in the US early in the pandemic offers valuable insights.
- Lessons learned can guide the strategic use of CP in future infectious disease outbreaks.
- Effective implementation requires careful planning and adaptive management.
