Convalescent plasma: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 21:34, 27 December 2024

Convalescent Plasma Therapy

Convalescent plasma therapy is a form of passive immunity that involves the transfusion of plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from an infectious disease to patients currently battling the same disease. This therapy is based on the principle that the antibodies present in the convalescent plasma can help fight the infection in the recipient.

History[edit]

The use of convalescent plasma dates back to the early 20th century. It was first used during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919. Since then, it has been employed in various outbreaks, including Ebola virus disease, SARS, and MERS.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that are specific to the pathogen causing the disease. When transfused into a patient, these antibodies can neutralize the virus or bacteria, thereby aiding the patient's immune system in clearing the infection. This form of therapy is particularly useful when no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines are available.

Applications[edit]

Convalescent plasma therapy has been used in the treatment of several infectious diseases, including:

Risks and Considerations[edit]

While convalescent plasma therapy can be beneficial, it is not without risks. Potential complications include:

Allergic reactions
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)
Transmission of infectious agents

Regulatory Status[edit]

The use of convalescent plasma is subject to regulatory approval and guidelines, which vary by country. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma in certain situations.

Research and Efficacy[edit]

Ongoing research is evaluating the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in various infectious diseases. Clinical trials are essential to determine the optimal timing, dosage, and patient selection criteria for this treatment.

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

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-{{jpg-image}}<br>'''Convalescent plasma''' is a form of [[blood plasma]] therapy that uses blood donated by people who have recovered from a particular illness to treat others who are currently battling the same illness. This method is based on the premise that the [[antibodies]] developed by the recovered individual during their immune response can be transferred to a sick individual, providing them with passive immunity and potentially aiding in their recovery. Convalescent plasma has been explored as a treatment option for various infectious diseases, most notably during outbreaks of novel or re-emerging viral infections where specific treatments or vaccines are not yet available.
+{{Infobox medical treatment
+| name = Convalescent Plasma Therapy
+| image =
+| caption =
+| synonyms =
+| specialty = [[Hematology]], [[Infectious disease]]
+| uses = Treatment of [[infectious diseases]]
+| risks = [[Allergic reactions]], [[Transfusion-related acute lung injury]]
+| frequency =
+| duration_of_effect =
+}}
+'''Convalescent plasma therapy''' is a form of [[passive immunity]] that involves the transfusion of plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from an [[infectious disease]] to patients currently battling the same disease. This therapy is based on the principle that the [[antibodies]] present in the convalescent plasma can help fight the infection in the recipient.
 ==History==
-The use of convalescent plasma dates back to the early 20th century, where it was employed to mitigate or treat outbreaks of diseases such as [[diphtheria]], [[Spanish flu]], and [[measles]]. Its application has been revisited over the years for various epidemics, including the [[H1N1 influenza]] pandemic in 2009, the [[Ebola virus]] outbreak in 2014, and most recently, the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] caused by the novel coronavirus [[SARS-CoV-2]].
+The use of convalescent plasma dates back to the early 20th century. It was first used during the [[Spanish flu]] pandemic of 1918-1919. Since then, it has been employed in various outbreaks, including [[Ebola virus disease]], [[SARS]], and [[MERS]].
 ==Mechanism of Action==
-Convalescent plasma therapy works by administering the plasma—the liquid part of the blood that contains [[antibodies]]—from recovered patients to those who are critically ill. These antibodies can recognize and neutralize the pathogen, helping to control the infection until the recipient's immune system can produce its own antibodies. The effectiveness of convalescent plasma therapy depends on several factors, including the timing of administration, the concentration of neutralizing antibodies in the donated plasma, and the recipient's overall health status.
+Convalescent plasma contains [[antibodies]] that are specific to the [[pathogen]] causing the disease. When transfused into a patient, these antibodies can neutralize the [[virus]] or [[bacteria]], thereby aiding the patient's [[immune system]] in clearing the infection. This form of therapy is particularly useful when no specific [[antiviral drugs]] or [[vaccines]] are available.
-==Clinical Use==
+==Applications==
-The use of convalescent plasma has been considered an emergency intervention during pandemics or outbreaks of novel diseases. Its administration is usually regulated by health authorities and is subject to ongoing research to determine its efficacy and safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, convalescent plasma was granted emergency use authorization by various health regulatory bodies, including the [[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA), as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with severe disease.
+Convalescent plasma therapy has been used in the treatment of several infectious diseases, including:
+* [[COVID-19]]
+* [[Ebola virus disease]]
+* [[H1N1 influenza]]
+* [[SARS]]
+* [[MERS]]
+==Risks and Considerations==
+While convalescent plasma therapy can be beneficial, it is not without risks. Potential complications include:
+* [[Allergic reactions]]
+* [[Transfusion-related acute lung injury]] (TRALI)
+* [[Transfusion-associated circulatory overload]] (TACO)
+* Transmission of [[infectious agents]]
+==Regulatory Status==
+The use of convalescent plasma is subject to regulatory approval and guidelines, which vary by country. In the United States, the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) has provided emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma in certain situations.
 ==Research and Efficacy==
-The efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in treating infectious diseases has been a subject of extensive research. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating a potential benefit in reducing mortality and hastening recovery, while others suggest limited or no significant impact on patient outcomes. The variability in findings underscores the need for well-designed clinical trials to ascertain the effectiveness of convalescent plasma therapy in different settings and populations.
+Ongoing research is evaluating the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in various infectious diseases. Clinical trials are essential to determine the optimal timing, dosage, and patient selection criteria for this treatment.
+==See Also==
+* [[Passive immunity]]
+* [[Antibody therapy]]
+* [[Blood transfusion]]
-==Ethical and Logistical Considerations==
+==References==
-The collection, distribution, and administration of convalescent plasma involve several ethical and logistical challenges. These include ensuring informed consent from donors, screening for transmissible diseases, matching blood types between donors and recipients, and establishing protocols to equitably distribute the limited supply of convalescent plasma to those in need.
+{{Reflist}}
-==Conclusion==
+==External Links==
-Convalescent plasma represents a bridge therapy option during outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially when specific treatments or vaccines are not available. While promising, its use is contingent upon further research to fully understand its benefits, limitations, and the optimal conditions for its administration.
+* [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/plasma-therapy.html CDC: Convalescent Plasma Therapy]
+* [https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-convalescent-plasma-therapy WHO: Convalescent Plasma Therapy]
-[[Category:Blood]]
-[[Category:Immunology]]
 [[Category:Medical treatments]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Infectious disease treatments]]
+[[Category:Blood products]]