Antibodies against COVID-19 —which have been produced by people who have recovered from the new coronavirus— can positively contribute to the recovery of other patients if a treatment approved by the
This convalescent plasma treatment has also been tested in other countries leading to promising results. Thus, it is important that researchers evaluate the effectiveness in COVID-19 patients in Peru.
The study is promoted by the non-profit organization
Peru con Plasma (Peru with Plasma) and consists of 2 phases: in the first phase donors are detected, the plasma is collected, analyzed and stored at the National Child Health Institute in Lima.
In the second phase, Hipolito Unanue National Hospital —also in Lima— will apply plasma as treatment for 50 hospitalized patients, who are not in ICU.
The transfusion of plasma —found in the blood— is expected to help severely-ill people overcome the virus.
In the same way, this treatment could also help patients with moderate symptoms, thus avoiding the development of complications and favoring a faster recovery.
Donor requirements
Those, who have overcome the disease and have not had symptoms for at least 28 days, are required to donate.