Indian Council of Medical Research has given approval for clinical trials for treating COVID-19 patients who are in critical condition with plasma therapy. Many nations including the US and UK are relying on treating patients through plasma therapy. But what is it and how does it exactly work? Complete Coverage: Coronavirus
Crux of the Matter
Understanding Plasma Therapy Convalescent Plasma Therapy (PT) comprises using plasma – the liquid part of blood. This plasma is collected from patients that have recovered from COVID-19 and developed ‘antibodies’. A plasmapheresis machine extracts plasma from the blood. The serum is then separated and antibodies are screened and then administered to the COVID-19 patient.
A plasmapheresis machine extracts plasma from the blood, returns red blood cells back to the body. A healthy patient can donate plasma every two weeks.
These antibodies prevent the worsening of the disease by reducing the viral load. However, it cannot heal organs or infected lungs from Coronavirus. This therapy is not useful in case a person has organ failure or lung damage. Its use is also prevalent in the ailment of hepatitis, chickenpox, etc. It was also used in SARS and Ebola treatment.
In India ICMR approved clinical trials for plasma therapy on April 16th, 2020. Nearly 1,600 patients have recovered whose plasma can be used in the treatment. However, plasma of people below 60 and who do not have comorbidity will only be used. The therapy will be given only to patients with critical conditions. Critical patients are ones with: a) respiratory rate higher than 30 breaths/minute b) oxygen saturation level below 90% c) Infiltrates in organs like pus in lungs One plasma donor can donate a maximum of 400ml plasma, which can save 2 lives.
Trials Worldwide India’s first plasma therapy was conducted on a 49-year old man in Delhi, who recovered from COVID-19. China’s PNAS journal published that in the 10 patients who received therapy, symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc. improved in 1-3 days. US, UK, China, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, etc. also approved its clinical trials.
Curiopedia
Plasmapheresis (Plasma Therapy) is the removal, treatment, and return or exchange of blood plasma or components thereof from and to the blood circulation.
Plasmapheresis was developed by Dr. Josep Antoni Grífols Lucas in 1950 and 1951. Grífols found that plasmapheresis allowed donors to donate more frequently without compromising their health, and this made it possible to respond more effectively to the demand for plasma. Interestingly Plasmapheresis was originally described by John Abel and Leonard Rowntree in 1913.
A single dose of platelet-rich plasma injection can cost from $500-$2000.
Curated Coverage
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