Successful treatment of a centenarian with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using convalescent plasma

Abstract

Background: Because treatment options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are very limited, the use of convalescent plasma has bee explored. Case presentation and treatment: A male centenarian with cough and dyspnea for 2 months was diagnosed with COVID-19. Without effective treatments and with the increased risks of antiviral therapy for the elderly, this patient was given convalescent plasma. The viral load, complete blood count, inflammatory indicators, vital signs, and clinical symptoms were observed before and after COVID-19 convalescent plasma transfusion. Results: After convalescent plasma transfusion, significant improvement was observed on laboratory indicators and clinical symptoms of the patient. Concurrently, SARS-CoV-2 viral load decreased sharply after the first transfusion (from 2.55 × 104 to 1.39 × 103 copies/mL) and became undetectable after the second transfusion. Conclusions: With the substantial increase of COVID-19 in recent months,treatment for elderly patients has become restricted in some countries. The successful treatment of this 100-year-old patient using convalescent plasma suggests that we should consider adding convalescent plasma in th management of the elderly.

SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing human antibodies protect against lower respiratory tract disease in a hamster model

“…Data on the outcomes of these trials have been limited and to date, preliminary results from only a few small cohorts and one randomized clinical trial have been published. Results from a randomized clinical trial did not show a benefit 6,7 , while results from the small cohorts suggested clinical benefit but lacked controls for proper interpretation [8][9][10][11] . Although preclinical research indicated a limited protective effect of hamster serum when given to hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 early in the disease course 12,13 , effects of human plasma have not been analyzed in this animal model.…”

Hospital Course of a Man With Viral Pneumonia Caused by COVID-19

“…Subsequently, the patient was given convalescent plasma. Although still being heavily researched, it has worked effectively in hospitals, notably successfully treating a centenarian with COVID-19 [7]. Other medicinal therapies have been successfully paired and repurposed to treat COVID-19 pneumonia, such as chloroquine and clarithromycin [8].…”

Covid-19 Therapy: What Have We Learned In 8 Months?

“…Significant improvement of laboratory indicators and clinical symptoms was observed. SARS-CoV-2 viral load decreased after the first transfusion (from 2.55 × 10 4 to 1.39 × 10 3 copies RNA/ml) and became undetectable (13 days of hospitalization) after the second one [94]. Another study reported treatment of 10 patients, with confirmed by RT-PCR infection, treated with CP transfusion (ChiCTR2000030046) [46].…”

“…A negative result of RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 is also clearly expected [135]. CP should also contain sufficient amount of SARS-CoV-2 -specific antibodies [94]. Recommendations of FDA for investigational CP treatment are also available at FDA site (https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/ investigational-new-drug-ind-or-device-exemptionide-process-cber/recommendations-investigationalcovid-19-convalescent-plasma).…”