Use of convalescent plasma in patients with coronavirus disease (Covid-19): Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objetives

To assess the effects of convalescent plasma treatment in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Study design

Systematic review and Meta-analysis

Data sources

A systematic search was carried out on the L · OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19 until October 31, 2020

Study selection

Randomized clinical trials in which people with probable or confirmed COVID-19 were randomized to drug treatment, standard care, or placebo. Pairs of reviewers independently screened potentially eligible articles.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0, and the certainty of the evidence using the recommendation assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. For each outcome, the interventions were classified into groups, from most to least beneficial or harmful.

Results

We identified 10 RCTs (randomized controlled trials) involving 11854 patients in which convalescent plasma was compared with standard of care or other treatments. The results of five RCTs that evaluated the use of convalescent plasma in patients with COVID-19 did not show significant differences in the effect on mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions

Current evidence is insufficient to recommend the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of moderate or severe COVID-19.

Contribution of the authors