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Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Jul 29;24(1):469.
doi: 10.1186/s13054-020-03189-7.

Efficacy of convalescent plasma for the treatment of severe influenza

Zhiheng Xu  1 , Jianmeng Zhou  1 , Yongbo Huang  1 , Xuesong Liu  1 , Yonghao Xu  1 , Sibei Chen  1 , Dongdong Liu  1 , Zhimin Lin  1 , Xiaoqing Liu  2 , Yimin Li  3
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Efficacy of convalescent plasma for the treatment of severe influenza

Zhiheng Xu et al. Crit Care. .

Abstract

Background: Convalescent plasma administration may be of clinical benefit in patients with severe influenza, but reports on the efficacy of this therapy vary.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the administration of convalescent plasma to treat severe influenza. Healthcare databases were searched in February 2020. All records were screened against eligibility criteria, and the risks of bias were assessed. The primary outcome was the fatality rate.

Results: A total of 2861 studies were retrieved and screened. Five eligible RCTs were identified. Pooled analyses yielded no evidence that using convalescent plasma to treat severe influenza resulted in significant reductions in mortality (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.51-2·23; P = 0.87; I2 = 35%), number of days in the intensive care unit, or number of days on mechanical ventilation. This treatment may have the possible benefits of increasing hemagglutination inhibition titers and reducing influenza B viral loads and cytokine levels. No serious adverse events were reported. The included studies were generally of high quality with a low risk of bias.

Conclusions: The administration of convalescent plasma appears safe but may not reduce the mortality, number of days in the intensive care unit, or number of days on mechanical ventilation in patients with severe influenza.

Keywords: Convalescent plasma; Efficacy; Meta-analysis; Severe influenza.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Search strategy used to identify reports for inclusion
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram depicting the risks of bias in each study. Green represents low risk, yellow represents unclear risk, and red represents high risk
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Pooled estimates of case-fatality rates due to severe influenza in patients who were administered convalescent plasma and in control patients
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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