THD NewsDesk, NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on 15th September, cautioned on the future use of Plasma therapy for the treatment of Covid patients. ICMR, the apex regulator of medical research in India had conducted randomised controlled trials with the purpose of examining the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy. The trials were initiated in order to answer the questions raised on the efficiency of the therapy in curtailing the progression of the illness from moderate to severe.
Plasma therapy is a medical procedure wherein blood sample from a perfectly healthy recovered coronavirus patient is used to develop antibodies that can help fight off the virus in an infected person’s body. The blood sample, containing convalescent plasma is thoroughly tested before administering it to an infected person.
The ICMR study involved 464 patients admitted in 39 different hospitals located across 14 states and Union Territories. The study showed appalling results and it was concluded that not only was the plasma therapy futile in curbing the Covid mortality rate but could also induce adverse reactions in certain cases.
“Plasma therapy has been used for over 100 years now, in some form or the other. It has been used against Ebola and Covid-19 too. The trial we did was the world’s largest plasma trial and it shows it does reduce mortality or prevent progression of the disease from moderate to severe. There are a few cases where adverse reactions can occur. Once the peer review happens and we get the full publication, we will take a considered view on plasma,” said Dr Bhargava, Director General of ICMR in a government press release.
The results of the data have forced ICMR to reconsider plasma therapy and alter the guidelines regarding its usage. Dr Bhargava reaffirmed that a national task force and joint monitoring group of Health Ministry will be instituted to review the study soon. Many states have already set up plasma banks considering the success of plasma therapy in other countries and therefore, taking a drastic turnabout here would be an arduous process. The revelations of this study might change the course of methods employed by medical professionals to treat corona patients while simultaneously clearing the way for new innovations.
SOURCE: Times of India