‘The plasma therapy debate’

Recently published findings on convalescent plasma therapy on Covid-19 patients have triggered a debate over its efficacy.

Recently published findings on convalescent plasma therapy on Covid-19 patients have triggered a debate over its efficacy.

What is plasma therapy?

Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. Convalescent plasma, extracted from the blood of patients recovering from an infection, is a source of antibodies against the infection.
The therapy involves using their plasma to help others recover.
For Covid-19, this has been one of the treatment options. The donor would have to be a documented case of Covid-19 and healthy for 28 days since the last symptoms.

What has been found in the trials?

The country’s largest such trial, known by the acronym PLACID has found the following:

Convalescent plasma was ineffectivein arresting Covid-19
While use of convalescent plasma seemed to improve resolution of shortness of breath and fatigue in patients with moderate Covid-19, this did not translate into a reduction in 28-day mortality or progression to severe disease.