Convalescent plasma for COVID-19: A reasonable option for the pandemic based on both scientific and practical point of views

Mardiah Suci Hardianti (Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta,)
Syahru Agung Setiawan (Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta,)
David Dwi Putera (Siloam Hospitals Labuan Bajo, Nusa Tenggara Timur,)
Teguh Triyono (Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta,)
Jarir At Thobari (Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Johan Kurnianda (Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta,)

Journal of the Medical Sciences (Berkala Ilmu Kedokteran)
Vol 52, No 3 (2020): Special Issue: COVID-19

Convalescent plasma treatment has become a promising adjunctive option to treat COVID-19. Several case reports consistently supported the feasibility of this approach by showing the safety and improvements of clinical and laboratory aspects from the treated patients. However, more clinical trials are still required to establish the definitive statement about its potential effectiveness. We review the scientific basis for the application of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 to understand its potentials better. We also cover the potential risks and benefits for this treatment in order to be more selective and careful when preparing and deciding to apply this approach. Lastly, we summarize any important points to monitor after the administration of this treatment to prioritize safety and measure the effectiveness of the treatment.