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European Journal of Medical Research May 2020The rapid spread of the corona virus pandemic is an existential problem for many people in numerous countries. So far, there is no effective vaccine protection or proven... (Review)
Review
The rapid spread of the corona virus pandemic is an existential problem for many people in numerous countries. So far, there is no effective vaccine protection or proven therapy available against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this review, we describe the role of passive immunization in times of the corona virus. Passive immunization could be a bridging technology to improve the immune defense of critically ill patients until better approaches with effective medications are available.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 32404189
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-020-00414-5 -
Southern Medical Journal May 2023Current evidence favors plasma to be effective against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critically ill patients in the early stages of infection. We investigated... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Current evidence favors plasma to be effective against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critically ill patients in the early stages of infection. We investigated the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma in specifically late-stage (designated as after 2 weeks of hospital admission) severe COVID-19 infection. We also conducted a literature review on the late-stage use of plasma in COVID-19.
METHODS
This case series examined eight COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) who met criteria for severe or life-threatening complications. Each patient received one dose (200 mL) of plasma. Clinical information was gathered in intervals of 1 day pretransfusion and 1 hour, 3 days, and 7 days posttransfusion. The primary outcome was effectiveness of plasma transfusion, measured by clinical improvement, laboratory parameters, and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Eight ICU patients received plasma late in the course of COVID-19 infection, on average at 16.13 days postadmission. On the day before transfusion, the averaged initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, PaO:FiO ratio, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and lymphocyte count were 6.5, 228.03, 8.63, and 1.19, respectively. Three days after plasma treatment, the group averages for the SOFA score (4.86), PaO:FiO ratio (302.73), GCS (9.29), and lymphocyte count (1.75) improved. Although the mean GCS improved to 10.14 by posttransfusion day 7, the other means marginally worsened with an SOFA score of 5.43, a PaO:FiO ratio of 280.44, and a lymphocyte count of 1.71. Clinical improvement was noted in six patients who were discharged from the ICU.
CONCLUSIONS
This case series provides evidence that convalescent plasma may be safe and effective in late-stage, severe COVID-19 infection. Results showed clinical improvement posttransfusion as well as decreased all-cause mortality in comparison to pretransfusion predicted mortality. Randomized controlled trials are needed to conclusively determine benefits, dosage, and timing of treatment.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Blood Component Transfusion; Plasma; COVID-19 Serotherapy; Immunization, Passive
PubMed: 37137479
DOI: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001546 -
Internal and Emergency Medicine Oct 2019Intravenous immunoglobulins are the cornerstone for the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiencies and may be used for a great number of other autoimmune,... (Review)
Review
Intravenous immunoglobulins are the cornerstone for the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiencies and may be used for a great number of other autoimmune, neurological and hematological conditions as well. Given their wide application, the possibility of running across a patient who needs this kind of therapy is becoming increasingly common. Generally, intravenous immunoglobulins are well tolerated. However, numerous adverse reactions ranging from mild to severe have been reported and linked to patient- and product-related factors. For all these reasons, we present herein a comprehensive review of the on- and off-label applications of intravenous immunoglobulins and provide a guide for the internist how to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and manage them.
Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Autoimmune Diseases; Disease Management; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Internal Medicine
PubMed: 31309519
DOI: 10.1007/s11739-019-02150-z -
Anaerobe Dec 2014The pathophysiology of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) could be considered as a three-step process that takes place after disruption of the digestive microbiota... (Review)
Review
The pathophysiology of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) could be considered as a three-step process that takes place after disruption of the digestive microbiota by antibiotics: 1) germination of spores; 2) multiplication and persistence of C. difficile in the colonic niche thanks to colonization factors; 3) production of the two toxins TcdA and TcdB and for some strains an additional toxin, the binary toxin CDT. Different immunization strategies against C. difficile have been developed, first regarding the toxins. Immunization assays with colonization factors have followed, and allowed accumulation of new data concerning theirs functions and immunogenicity. Here, we present the toxins, the colonization factors and their use in passive and active immunizations to treat and/or to prevent C. difficile infections. The various experiments performed in animal models and the first clinical trials in humans are reported.
Topics: Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium Infections; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Vaccination
PubMed: 25079668
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.07.006 -
Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North... Feb 2023An overview of primary antibody immunodeficiency in pregnancy is presented. Indications for immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT), dosing, and safety considerations... (Review)
Review
An overview of primary antibody immunodeficiency in pregnancy is presented. Indications for immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT), dosing, and safety considerations are highlighted. Uses of immunizations and antimicrobial therapy are also discussed. In general, IGRT, both intravenous and subcutaneous, is considered safe in pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Immunization, Passive
PubMed: 36410999
DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.07.009 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Sep 2020
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Drug Approval; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; United States; COVID-19 Serotherapy
PubMed: 32933945
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3516 -
Acta Microbiologica Et Immunologica... Jul 2020World has been suffering from pandemic caused by mysterious Coronavirus. The novel member of Coronaviridae causing COVID-19 disease is named as SARS-Cov-2. Its first... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
World has been suffering from pandemic caused by mysterious Coronavirus. The novel member of Coronaviridae causing COVID-19 disease is named as SARS-Cov-2. Its first case was reported in China by the end of 2019, but its exponential spread has wrapped entire globe, suspended and is penalizing mankind. A retrospective meta-analysis study showed that outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and SARS-Cov-1 (Coronaviridae), influenza infection H1N1 and West-African Ebola caused lower mortality than this new pandemic COVID-19. Virus has appeared as a new human pathogen so to counter COVID-19 no specific vaccine, monoclonal antibodies have been manufactured till day. The outbreak of novel Coronavirus is treated with antimicrobial drugs but they have their own mild side effects. But the drastic spread of COVID-19 compels us also to use other ways to counter pandemic. Thus, passive immunization can be opted to hold back this mysterious virus. Passive immunization has been in use since early 20th century and showed its effectiveness against all previous infectious outbreaks including MERS and SARS-Cov-1 members of Coronaviridae. The review argues that convalescent plasma is an explicit option for containment of COVID-19 disease.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Viral; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Immunotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Serotherapy
PubMed: 32619190
DOI: 10.1556/030.2020.01199 -
Journal of Leukocyte Biology Apr 2021Discussion on how breast milk shows similarity to the immune gut micro-environment, creating a sort of immune "extended gut" between mother and child; helps advance the...
Discussion on how breast milk shows similarity to the immune gut micro-environment, creating a sort of immune "extended gut" between mother and child; helps advance the newborn's immune endowment by further tuning mucosal immunity and CD8 memory cells in the early life intestine.
Topics: CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Child; Female; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunization, Passive; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human
PubMed: 33034085
DOI: 10.1002/JLB.1CE0720-447RR -
Annals of Internal Medicine Sep 2022The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies reported a thorough analysis of existing data and guidelines for the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma...
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies reported a thorough analysis of existing data and guidelines for the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19. The editorialists discuss the recommendations, how they compare with recommendations from other entities, and the lessons the experience with CCP provides for the use of passive immunotherapy for future emerging infectious diseases.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Immunization, Passive; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome; COVID-19 Serotherapy
PubMed: 35969864
DOI: 10.7326/M22-2329 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Nov 2020
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Immunization, Passive; Pandemics; COVID-19 Serotherapy
PubMed: 33252875
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMe2034094