Clinical Microbiology: Open Access

Abstract

Effectiveness of Convalescent Plasma to Treat COVID-19

Ephrem Awulachew*, Kuma Diriba, Asrat Anja and Firehiwot Belayneh

Background: Currently, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was reported in more than 204 countries. As of April 10, 2020, a total of 1,605,729 confirmed cases and 95,766 deaths had been reported worldwide. There are no approved specific antiviral agents targeting the novel virus. Convalescent plasma transfusion might be effective against the infection. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved the emergency use of investigational COVID-19 convalescent plasma to treat severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review disease outcome and effectiveness of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19.

Method: We searched literature published in English from December 20/2019 to April 10/2020 on electronic databases. Using R software we have conducted a systematic analysis, frequency, mean, standard deviation and chisquare test.

Result: The average age of the participants in the included was 55.7 with a standard deviation of 13.9. The average days of recovery or test negative for the COVID-19 PCR test after convalescent plasma therapy were 9.6 days (95% CI 2-30 days). About 43% (9/21) had a history of comorbidity. The average date of recovery of patients with co-existing chronic diseases infected by COVID-19 after convalescent plasma therapy was about 12 days relatively prolonged than patients without the co-existing disease (7.6 days). No series adverse effects have been demonstrated in patients who have received convalescent plasma transfusion.

Published Date: 2024-08-12; Received Date: 2020-04-20