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Case Reports
. 2020 Jun 19;17(1):80.
doi: 10.1186/s12985-020-01354-6.

Non-optimal effectiveness of convalescent plasma transfusion and hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19: a case report

Tian-Min Xu  1 , Bin Lin  2 , Cong Chen  3 , Long-Gen Liu  4 , Yuan Xue  5
Affiliations
Case Reports

Non-optimal effectiveness of convalescent plasma transfusion and hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19: a case report

Tian-Min Xu et al. Virol J. .

Abstract

Background: Convalescent plasma (CP) transfusion was reported to be effective in treating critically ill patients with COVID-19, and hydroxychloroquine could potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Herein, we reported a case receiving combination therapy with CP transfusion and hydroxychloroquine for the first time.

Case presentation: Laboratory findings showed high lactic acid level (2.1 mmol/L) and C-reactive protein (CRP, 48.8 mg/L), and low white blood cell count (1.96 × 109/L) in a 65-year-old Chinese man, who was diagnosed with severe COVID-19. CP was intravenously given twice, and hydroxychloroquine was orally administrated for a week (0.2 g, three times a day). The lactic acid and C-reactive protein levels remained high (2.1 mmol/L and 73.23 mg/L, respectively), while the arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation decreased to 86% with a low oxygenation index (OI, 76 mmHg) on day 4 after CP transfusion. His temperature returned to normal and the OI ascended above 300 on day 11. Moreover, the RNA test remained positive in throat swab, and computed tomography revealed severe pulmonary lesions on day 11 after admission.

Conclusion: These findings suggested that the effectiveness of combination therapy with CP and hydroxychloroquine may be non-optimal, and specific therapy needs to be explored.

Keywords: COVID-19; Convalescent plasma; Cycle threshold; Hydroxychloroquine; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Dynamics of laboratory indexes in the patient with severe COVID-19 receiving convalescent plasma and hydroxychloroquine treatment. CP, convalescent plasma; CRP, C-reactive protein; WBC, white blood cells; SaO2, oxyhemoglobin saturation; Ct, cycle threshold
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Dynamics of computed tomography scans after admission
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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