‘Donate plasma, save lives’ All about convalescent plasma therapy

COVID19, the dreaded word has been our topic of discussion for the last six months if not more. The pandemic has spread its claws from Wuhan in China to our country, our state, town and our surroundings too. It has affected the rich and poor, highly educated and illiterate, influential people to those with menial jobs alike. It has not spared our elderly or our kids. It has not shown any mercy to the hands which heal or the hands which protect. Many people known to us have been infected and we can pray that they recover and return home soon.

With time, as if this tiny virus is gaining more and more power, there are a rising number of cases with symptoms; and fatalities are increasing by the day.

We can prevent the infection from spreading by avoiding overcrowded and ill-ventilated places, wearing a mask properly, frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers. We have to take utmost care of our children, elderly, pregnant women and those who are already suffering from any ailment. Despite all precautions, it is possible that some of us will still contract the infection.

No medicine or vaccine for cure or prevention of the deadly infection has qualified for use till date; some are still in the trial stages.

PLASMA THERAPY has appeared as a silver lining in these bleak times, especially for those who are hurt severely by the infection. It is effective in treating symptomatic and critical patients, in whom the oxygen levels deteriorate and those with comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, asthma and others. It has been seen that plasma therapy slows down the progress of the disease and boosts the person’s ability to fight the infection. This ensures a speedy recovery and decreases fatality rates. Due to plasma therapy, the hospital stay of a patient is shortened; there is a significant reduction in ventilator and ICU requirement. This itself can offset the burden on hospital beds and ICUs. Faster recovery also leads to an earlier return to work and enables lower socioeconomic impact on families where earning member is infected and hospitalised.

Physicians and intensive care specialists across the globe have studied and vouched for the effectiveness of plasma therapy in treating covid patients.

What is PLASMA actually? Plasma is the largest component of blood which can be separated from other blood cells using an apheresis machine. When separated, it is a yellow viscous liquid which is a carrier of protein, enzymes, and nutrients in the body. When a person recovers from SARS-2 COVID 19 infection his immune system produces antibodies against the virus. Plasma of a recovered person is rich in these antibodies and when the same plasma is transfused to a sick corona positive person, it enhances his ability to fight the virus. Thus, the chances of recovery increase manifold. Plasma therapy has been used in the past for the treatment of other infections like Ebola.

Plasma donation is simpler than blood donation; in fact a donor can give plasma twice in a week. The donor does not experience any weakness or anaemia as the red blood cells are separated and returned back to the donor.

Any person who is above 18 years of age and weighs more than 50 kg and has recovered from symptomatic covid 19 infection can donate plasma after two to four weeks of recovery. Plasma donation can be done by women too, if they meet the eligibility criteria however it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Plasma donation is voluntary and subject to fitness after proper medical history and examination. The antibody titre is evaluated before donation. Plasma collected from one person can be transfused to two recipients or in other words ‘one person can save two lives’

People who have recovered from this deadly infection and have returned to your dear ones, plasma donation will be their way of giving back to the society.

The first plasma therapy was started in India in Delhi in April and in Assam it was started in the first week of July. It is given free of cost. The plasma bank of Guwahati Medical College is the second Plasma Bank after Delhi in India. Assam Government is campaigning widely for plasma donation and has promised few incentives to donors and even preference in Govt jobs. A mega donation drive was being organised in Guwahati wherein health care workers, police personals and others have donated their plasma in large numbers.

Plasma transfusion has also begun in Silchar Medical College, initially with plasma transported all the way from Guwahati. A plasma bank has been created in no time in Silchar Medical College which was inaugurated last week. The first two donors at SMCH were two newly enrolled post graduate trainee doctors of the institute.

Despite this facility, it may not be easy to find a suitable match for a critically ill patient in Silchar itself if we meet with unavailability of certain blood groups. This problem can be done away with if people in large numbers come forward and donate plasma. This will ensure availability of plasma of different blood groups.

So, it is a humble appeal to potential donors to donate their plasma. This will help in fighting the battle against the ever increasing cases of infection in the state.

Your simple act of kindness can give hope to people that their dear ones will return home safe. Come ahead, be the reason for smiles of people in need.

The author of this article, Dr Swatilekha Karmakar. MBBS, MS. is a practicing Obstetrician and Gynecologist. An alumnus of Silchar Medical College (MBBS), Karmakar completed her post-graduation in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Delhi. She worked as a senior registrar at Kasturba Hospital for women, Delhi and NEIGRIHMS, Shillong. Karmakar takes interest in writing on topics associated with health and issues pertaining to women to create awareness among the masses.