Combination therapy with plasma exchange and glucocorticoid may be effective for severe COVID‐19 infection: A retrospective observational study

Matsushita, Yasushi; Kusaoi, Makio; Hiki, Makoto; Murayama, Goh; Abe, Yoshiyuki; Nozawa, Kazuhisa; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Yamaji, Ken; Tamura, Naoto; Naito, Toshio

We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of five patients with COVID‐19 who were received glucocorticoid (with or without pulse therapy) and therapeutic plasma exchange. The efficacy of the treatment was determined by whether the patient was able to be transferred from the COVID‐19 exclusive ICU to the general ward. In comparing patients who received prednisolone pulse therapy (three cases) with those who did not (two cases), 2/3 (66%) and 0/2 (0%) patients could be discharged from the COVID‐19 dedicated ICU, respectively. Among five patients who was performed plasma exchange, two elderly male patients who underwent plasma exchange as early as within 8 days of disease exacerbation survived and were able to be transferred to the general ward. This observational study indicates that plasma exchange in conjunction with methylprednisolone pulse therapy at the appropriate time may be an effective treatment for elderly patients with severe COVID‐19.