Plasmapheresis with Convalescent Plasma as a Rescue Therapy for COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series

Abstract

On December 29, 2019, an epidemic of an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared in Wuhan, China. The first case of COVID-19 in Iran (Qom Province) was reported in February 2020, and within a short period, the number of infected cases increased rapidly around the country. Evidence suggests that the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are high in critically ill patients, and there is a correlation between the high level of cytokines and the pathogenesis of COVID-19; consequently, COVID-19 may have complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and even death. These inflammatory factors can lead to a cytokine storm, while counteracting this storm seems to be an effective therapeutic approach. In this case series, we reported two critically ill patients with COVID-19, undergoing plasmapheresis with convalescent plasma, corticosteroid therapy, and interferon administration.