Convalescent plasma does not reduce COVID deaths, study finds
A COVID-19 treatment study has found using convalescent plasma does not reduce deaths.
The University of Oxford’s RECOVERY trial has closed recruitment to convalescent plasma, which makes up about half the blood’s volume.
It was thought that plasma could fight COVID-19 as it contains antibodies that help fight infection. Analysis of 1,873 deaths found no significant difference in death rates.
Recruitment to all other treatment arms – tocilizumab, aspirin, colchicine, and Regeneron’s antibody cocktail – continues as planned.
Commonly used steroid dexamethasone was rolled out in the NHS after the study last year reported it cuts deaths in hospitalised patients.
Joint chief investigator Prof Martin Landray said: “Once again, the RECOVERY trial is demonstrating the value of large randomised trials to properly assess the role of potential treatments.
“At this very challenging time, we are incredibly grateful to the hard work of NHS staff and the huge contribution made by patients across the whole country.”
Visit the RECOVERY trial website to read more.
