Development and implementation of a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program in a middle-income economy
Hematol., Transfus. Cell Ther. (Impr.)
;
44(2): 206-212, Apr.-June 2022. tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1385048
ABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction Convalescent Plasma therapy is one of the therapeutic strategies that has been used for patients with the Covid-19 disease. Implementing a program with national extension to supply hospitals with this blood component is a great challenge mainly in a middle-income economy. Objectives Our objective was to develop and implement a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Program which met established quality standards and was adapted to a reality of limited resources. Methods A multicentric convalescent plasma collection program was developed and implemented, based on four main sequential procedures selective donor recruitment, pre-donation antibody screening (Anti-SARS-CoV-2- Chemiluminescence IgG Abbott), convalescent plasma collection by apheresis or whole-blood processing and distribution to the hospitals according to local demand. Results From the 572 candidates submitted to the pre-donation antibody screening, only 270 (47%) were considered eligible for plasma donation according to the established criteria. Higher levels of total antibody were associated with the donor age being above 45 years old (p= 0.002), hospital admission (p= 0.018), and a shorter interval between the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and plasma donation (p < 0.001). There was no association between the ABO and Rh blood groups and their antibody levels. Of the 468 donations made, 61% were from the collection of whole-blood and 39%, from apheresis. The Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma units obtained were distributed to 21 different cities throughout the country by air or ground transportation. Conclusion The implementation of a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma program in a continental country with relatively scarce resources is feasible with alternative strategies to promote lower cost procedures, while complying with local regulations and meeting quality standards.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Blood Component Removal
/
Immunization, Passive
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Practice guideline
/
Health economic evaluation
/
Systematic review of observational studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Hematol., Transfus. Cell Ther. (Impr.)
Journal subject:
Hematologia
/
TransfusÆo de Sangue
Year:
2022
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
HHemo/BR
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