Global Journal of Transfusion Medicine (Jan 2021)
Response to convalescent plasma is not influenced by patient blood type
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV2 virus is associated with 580,000 deaths and 32.5 million cases of COVID-19 infection in the United States. Data exist suggesting a correlation between blood type and disease acquisition and severity. No such data exist between blood type and disease response to convalescent plasma therapy. Methods: Forty-four hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were transfused with type-specific convalescent plasma were followed to determine therapeutic response and disease survivability. Statistical significance was determined as to whether a correlation between blood type and convalescent plasma treatment exists. Results: No statistically significant correlation exists between blood type and hospital length of stay or disease survivability in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received convalescent plasma. Conclusion: Blood type does not influence outcome response to convalescent plasma in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
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