Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic researchers in the United States reported a strong hint that blood convalescent plasma from coronavirus disease survivors helps other infected patients recover. More than 70,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma, a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines. The Mayo Clinic reported preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma, and said there were fewer deaths among people given plasma within three days of diagnosis, and also among those given plasma containing the highest levels of virus-fighting antibodies. They were then compared to similar patients who were given lower-titer plasma. Rigorous studies are under way around the country, comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular care.

Source: The Standard August 24, 2020 05:48 UTC