ABSTRACT
While promising, convalescent plasma remains experimental and is not proven effective for COVID-19. In addition, many questions remain regarding the accuracy and predictive value of antibody testing of donors and patients, optimal donor selection, optimal timing, and selection of patients most likely to benefit. Until these questions are answered, convalescent plasma should ideally be used in the context of well-designed clinical trials.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/methods , Coronavirus Infections , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Time-to-Treatment , Betacoronavirus/immunology , Betacoronavirus/isolation & purification , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Clinical Trials as Topic , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/genetics , Coronavirus Infections/immunology , Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Donor Selection , Humans , Immunization, Passive/adverse effects , Immunization, Passive/methods , Patient Selection , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/genetics , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , Predictive Value of Tests , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Assessment , SARS-CoV-2 , Treatment Outcome , COVID-19 SerotherapyABSTRACT
Severe COVID-19 illness is associated with intense inflammation, leading to high rates of thrombotic complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Markedly elevated levels of D-dimer with normal fibrinogen levels are the hallmark laboratory findings of severe COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism is paramount for all hospitalized patients with COVID-19, with more aggressive prophylaxis and screening recommended for critically ill patients with D-dimer levels above 3.0 µg/mL. Point-of-care ultrasonography is the imaging method of choice for patients at high risk, as it entails minimal risk of exposing providers to the virus.
ABSTRACT
Severe COVID-19 illness is associated with intense inflammation, leading to high rates of thrombotic complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Markedly elevated levels of D-dimer with normal fibrinogen levels are the hallmark laboratory findings of severe COVID-19- associated coagulopathy. Prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism is paramount for all hospitalized patients, with more aggressive prophylaxis and screening recommended for patients with D-dimer levels above 3.0 µg/mL. Point-of-care ultrasonography is the imaging method of choice for patients at high risk, as it entails minimal risk of exposing providers to the virus.