Jury is Still Out on Plasma Therapy as a Treatment for COVID-19

Even as plasma therapy gains traction, the jury is still out on how effective it can be.

(Photo: The Quint)

Plasma therapy is the latest experiment that has picked up steam as a potential treatment for COVID-19. It’s not exactly a new technique, and it should be noted, at this time, it is also one without conclusive evidence.

The ICMR has launched a national level study through randomised controlled trials to see if the therapy works. Several Indian states have shown a keen interest in considering plasma therapy treatment for coronavirus positive patients. Recovered patients have also been eager to donate plasma for this experiment.

However, in this past week, we’ve gotten mixed signals – one successful case of recovery from Delhi and one case of fatality from Pune – from patients who were treated with plasma therapy.

So, even as this treatment gains traction, the jury is still out on how effective it can be and whether or not it poses a risk to patients.

What is plasma therapy and how much do we know of its successes and failures? Tune in to The Big Story!