Historically, convalescent plasma (CP) has been successfully used in
pandemics caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Ebola. As the current
pandemic by SARS-CoV-2 poses an unprecedented threat to humanity. The number of
infections is increasing exponentially day by day. Identifying, qualifying, collecting,
and preparing plasma from convalescents with sufficient SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing
antibody titers in this pandemic may be challenging but within the approach of most
blood establishments. Careful clinical evaluation may rapidly establish whether CP
therapy at the early onset of disease in patients of high risk may improve symptoms,
reduce hospital stay and decrease mortality due to COVID-19. Moreover, CP is an
excellent therapeutic option due to the lack of specific treatment for COVID-19, as the
availability of anti-viral drugs/vaccines may take more time.
Keywords: Adverse effects, Antibody titer, Convalescent plasma, Safety and
efficacy, Transfusion.
