Efficacy of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda

Convalescent plasma (CCP) has been studied as a potential therapy for COVID-19, but data on its efficacy in Africa are limited. Objective In this trial we set out to determine the efficacy of CCP for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. Measurements Patients with a positive SARS-CoV- 2 reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR test irrespective of disease severity were hospitalized and randomized to receive either COVID-19 CCP plus standard of care (SOC) or SOC alone. The primary outcome was time to viral clearance, defined as having two consecutive RT-PCR- negative tests by day 28. Secondary outcomes included time to symptom resolution, clinical status on the modified WHO Ordinal Clinical Scale (≥1-point increase), progression to severe/ critical condition (defined as oxygen saturation <93% or needing oxygen), mortality and safety.

Keywords

Convalescent plasma, Treatment, COVID-19, Uganda

Citation

Kirenga B, Byakika-Kibwika P, Muttamba W, et al. Efficacy of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. BMJ Open Resp Res 2021;8:e001017. doi:10.1136/ bmjresp-2021-001017

URI

https://nru.uncst.go.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/1215

Collections

Medical and Health Sciences

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