COVID 19 convalescent plasma: Is there still a place for CCP?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Plasma Therapy

Background:

• Convalescent plasma therapy, utilizing antibodies from recovered patients, has a long history in treating infectious diseases.
• This approach was adopted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to the lack of specific antiviral drugs.
• The review focuses on Covid-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) studies from 2020 to August 2022.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the collection and transfusion of CCP for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To analyze clinical outcomes including ventilation needs, hospital stay duration, and mortality.
• To identify factors influencing the efficacy and safety of CCP treatment.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of relevant studies on CCP collection and transfusion.
• Analysis of clinical patient outcome parameters.
• Identification of key parameters and patient subgroups for effective CCP treatment.

Main Results:

• Studies exhibited heterogeneity, complicating direct comparisons.
• High neutralizing antibody titers, early CCP administration, and moderate disease severity were linked to effective treatment.
• Certain patient subgroups demonstrated significant benefit from CCP transfusion.
• No major adverse events were reported during or after CCP collection and transfusion.

Conclusions:

• CCP transfusion is a viable treatment option for specific patient subgroups with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• CCP is particularly valuable in low-to-middle-income countries lacking specific antiviral treatments.
• Further clinical trials are essential to fully elucidate the role of CCP in managing SARS-CoV-2 infections.