Treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange in severe COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The role of various therapeutic approaches on the clinical improvement in patients with severe COVID-19 is being researched. Few published studies show positive outcomes after the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). However, additional clinical evidence is required to understand better the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in severe COVID-19 patients. Thereby, we report a case of a 57-year-old female with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who was included in clinical trial NCT04592705. Prompt treatment with TPE facilitated improved clinical-laboratory parameters and speedy recovery and prevented further deterioration of the condition or complications. Successful therapeutic strategies in our case suggest that TPE as a therapeutic option in critically ill COVID-19 patients could prevent the disease from worsening and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and intensive supportive care in these patients.

Keywords

• Therapeutic plasma exchange
• COVID-19
• Coronavirus