Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19- is it Time to Say Goodbye? A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study from Northern India

Background: COVID-19 pandemic continues threatening the world with no effective treatment to tackle the menace. Till date, there is conflicting evidence on efficacy of CP in reducing COVID-19 related mortality. The objective of this study was to see disease progression and 7, 14 and 28-day mortality after CP therapy and analyze CP efficacy with/without Remdesivir.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-centre observational study done from August 20, 2020, to 20 November 2020. Records of 294 COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe disease given CP therapy were analysed based on disease progression and length of hospital stay, further subcategorized on age, clinical profile, risk factors, ward/ICU, ventilatory support and co-administration of Remdesivir.

Results: Lowest 7-day mortality rate was seen within age group 20-40 years (0%) and was highest in ≥61 years (24.3%). 87 patients on ventilatory support showed higher 28day mortality (48.28%) compared to non-ventilated (10.14%), (P<0.00001). Lesser 7-day mortality was seen in early CP therapy ≤3 days of admission (P=0.01). Patients requiring ICU admission showed higher 14 and 28-day mortality compared to ward P=0.001%). Median (IQR) length of hospital stay from CP transfusion was shorter, 4 (3 to 9) days in group 2 (CP only) compared to 7 (4 to 12) days in group1 (CP+Remdesivir ).

Conclusion: CP therapy in ≤3 days of hospital admission in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe infection not on ventilatory support showed reduction in mortality and length of hospital stay. Length of hospital stay was shorter in the CP-only group as compared to the CP+ Remdesivir group.