Retrospective analysis on efficacy of convalescent plasma in acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19.

Eren, Esma; Ulu-Kılıç, Ayşegül; Korkmaz, Serdal; Yıldız, Merve; Yüksel, Recep Civan; Kılınç-Toker, Ayşin; Arman-Fırat, Emine; Bestepe-Dursun, Zehra; Çelik, Ilhami

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global health threat. However, currently, no standard therapy has been approved for the disease. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of convalescent plasma (CP) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective study conducted at Kayseri City Education and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey. METHODS The case group consisted of adult patients (> 18 years) with ARDS due to COVID-19 who received CP in combination with antiviral and supportive treatment. These patients were compared with others who only received antiviral and supportive treatment. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 30 patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 were included. Eleven patients (36%) received CP in combination with antiviral and supportive treatment, whereas nineteen patients (64%) in the control group only received antiviral and supportive treatment. On admission, the median age, demographic and clinical data and initial laboratory test results were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). On the 14th day of treatment, the laboratory values remained similar between the groups (P > 0.05). The mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION CP treatment did not affect mortality or lead to clinical improvement for COVID-19 patients with ARDS.