Plasma convalescent therapy for COVID-19 patients: A literature review.

Terapia con plasma de convaleciente para pacientes con COVID-19: Revisión de la literatura

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has created a pandemic leading to a global struggle to cope with the sheer numbers of infected persons, many of whom require intensive care support. To date, there is no specific antivirus treatment for COVID-19. The use of convalescent plasma transfusions could be of great value in the current pandemic. Recently recovered SARS-CoV-2 patients who may be suitable donors undergo apheresis in order to obtain convalescent plasma containing high-titer antibodies, granted they meet blood donation criteria. In this review, we summarize existing literature around convalescent plasma as a therapeutic option for COVID-19. It is important to note that the appropriate timing on convalescent plasma administration and the severity of its adverse effects needs to be further studied. Convalescent plasma provides the potential to render an immediate promising treatment option while evaluating existing drugs and developing new specific vaccines and therapies.