ABSTRACT
Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of convalescent plasma transfusion on patient with severe coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) and discussed the main nursing practices. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received convalescent plasma transfusion therapy between March 1 and April 1, 2020. The observation indicators included leukocyte, lymphocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and viral antibody levels; test results from pharyngeal swabs; nucleic acid test results; chest CT results; and respiratory symptoms. Further, we summarized the nursing practices related to plasma transfusion. Results: Neither death nor transfusion-related adverse reactions were observed in patients treated with convalescent plasma transfusion. Their antibody levels, especially IgG (P < 0.05), were increased to different levels, whereas the levels of inflammatory markers (CRP), white blood cells, and lymphocytes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Respiratory symptoms showed an improvement, and chest CT showed stable findings. Conclusions: Convalescent plasma transfusion is safe and feasible. It can increase antibody levels, reduce inflammatory factor levels, improve white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and improve respiratory symptoms in patients with severe COVID-19. Thus, plasma transfusion can be used as a new, effective COVID-19 treatment method that requires cooperation from nursing.