Convalescent Plasma Reduces Endogenous Antibody Response in COVID-19: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Omma, Ahmet; Erden, Abdulsamet; Güven, Serdar Can; Ates, Ihsan; Küçüksahin, Orhan

Objective: Aim of this study is to investigate post-COVID-19 antibody titers in patients who received convalescent plasma (CP) in addition to standard of care. Materials and Methods: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received CP in addition to standard of care were retrospectively investigated. Patients who received CP with a recorded total COVID-19 antibody test result after treatment were included. From hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received standard of care with a recorded total COVID-19 antibody test result, an age, gender and comorbidity matched control group was formed. Total COVID-19 antibody index levels were compared. Results: Thirty-three CP recipients were enrolled in the study. Control group was consisted of 34 age, gender and comorbidity matched standard of care patients. Median(IQR) total COVID-19 antibody index levels were significantly reduced in CP group. Conclusions: Although CP therapy may have benefits on the disease outcome, having a potential to hamper long-term immunity may be a problem.