Effectiveness of Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19 Patients in Hunan, China

Objective: To investigate clinical efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Methods: We included 4 severe patients and 3 critical patients. The date of admission to hospital ranged from January 30 to February 19, 2020. We retrospectively collected clinical and outcome data. Relative parameters were compared.

Results: After CP therapy, the symptoms and respiratory functions were improved. Median PaO/FIO increased from 254 (142-331) to 326 (163-364), and dependence of oxygen supply decreased. Median time to lesion's first absorption was 5 (2-7) days, undetectable viral RNA was 11 (3.5-15.7) days. Median lymphocyte count (0.77 × 10/L vs 0.85 × 10/L) and albumin level (31g/L vs 36 g/L) were elevated, C-reactive protein (44 mg/L vs 18 mg/L), D-dimer (5.9 mg/L vs 4 mg/L) and lactate dehydrogenase (263 U/L vs 245 U/L) decreased. No obvious adverse reactions were observed. At the follow-up on June 14, 2020, 6 patients had completely recovered and one died from terminal disease.

Conclusion: CP therapy for COVID-19 was effective and safe. Three patients who did not combine with antiviral therapy after CP also obtained viral clearance and clinical improvement. However, CP therapy failed to save the life of a terminally ill patient.