Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19: A Graphical Mosaic of the Worldwide Evidence.

ABSTRACT: Convalescent plasma has been used worldwide to treat patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and prevent disease progression. Despite global usage, uncertainty remains regarding plasma efficacy, as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have provided divergent evidence regarding the survival benefit of convalescent plasma. Here, we argue that during a global health emergency, the mosaic of evidence originating from multiple levels of the epistemic hierarchy should inform contemporary policy and healthcare decisions. Indeed, worldwide matched-control studies have generally found convalescent plasma to improve COVID-19 patient survival, and RCTs have demonstrated a survival benefit when transfused early in the disease course but limited or no benefit later in the disease

SUBMITTER: Klassen SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8215127 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature