Evaluating large-scale blood transfusion therapy for the current Ebola epidemic in Liberia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To combat the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa, the World Health Organization urged the rapid evaluation of convalescent whole blood (CWB) and plasma (CP) transfusion therapy. However, the feasibility and likely impacts of broad implementation of transfusions are yet unknown.

Methods

We extended an Ebola virus transmission model published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to include hospital-based convalescent donations and transfusions. Using recent epidemiological estimates for EVD in Liberia and assuming that convalescent transfusions reduce the case-fatality rate to 12.5% (range, 7.5%-17.5%), we projected the impacts of a countrywide ramp-up of transfusion therapy.

Results

Under the 10% case-hospitalization rat

SUBMITTER: Gutfraind A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4447839 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature