Early convalescent plasma treatment linked to reduced risk of long COVID: Study

A recent study conducted on individuals recovering from COVID-19 found that those receiving early treatment with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) had significantly lower odds of developing post-COVID conditions (PCC).

Post-COVID conditions (PCCs) have emerged as a common concern among individuals recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study involving 882 individuals who had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections sought to explore the association between early treatment with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP), cytokine levels, and the development of PCC. The participants were part of a randomized trial comparing CCP treatment to control plasma, with available biospecimens and symptom data. Cytokine and chemokine levels were assessed at baseline, day 14, and day 90 using a multiplexed sandwich immunoassay.

The study found that one-third of the 882 participants reported PCC symptoms at day 90, with fatigue (14.5%) and anosmia (14.5%) being the most common complaints. Interestingly, cytokine levels showed a decrease from baseline to day 90.

However, a noteworthy finding was that individuals who received early CCP treatment (within five days of symptom onset) had significantly lower odds of experiencing PCC. This suggests that early intervention with convalescent plasma may have a protective effect against the development of post-COVID conditions.

Reference: Kelly A. Gebo et al, ASM Journals, Early antibody treatment, inflammation, and risk of post-COVID conditions, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00618-23