Efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 in Japan: An open-label, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Convalescent plasma is a potential therapeutic option for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite its use for treating several viral infections, we lack comprehensive data on its efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial of convalescent plasma therapy with high neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 in high-risk patients within five days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. The primary endpoint was the time-weighted average change in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in nasopharyngeal swabs from days 0-5.

RESULTS

Between February 24, 2021, and November 30, 2021, 25 patients were randomly assigned to either convalescent plasma (n = 14) or standard of care (n = 11) groups. Four patients discontinued their allocated convalescent plasma, and 21 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. The median interval between the symptom onset and plasma administration was 4.5 days (interquartile range, 3-5 days). The primary outcome of the time-weighted average change in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in nasopharyngeal swabs did not significantly differ between days 0-5 (1.2 log₁₀ copies/mL in the convalescent plasma vs. 1.2 log₁₀ copies/mL in the standard of care (effect estimate, 0.0 [95% confidence interval, -0.8-0.7]; P = 0.94)). No deaths were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The early administration of convalescent plasma with high neutralizing activity did not contribute to a decrease in the viral load within five days compared with the standard of care alone.

[Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus-associated Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome (KICS) Improved by Antiretroviral Therapy in an HIV-infected Patient]

We report a case of a 63-year-old HIV-positive Japanese male with a CD4 cell count of 127/μL who was admitted to our hospital because of suspected malignant lymphoma. Initial blood tests revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Imaging tests revealed a lung nodule, bilateral pleural effusion, hepatosplenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. No evidence of malignant lymphoma or multicentric Castleman's disease was noted on biopsy specimens; however, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen-1-positive cells were observed as well as an elevated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and KSHV viral load. He fulfilled the novel diagnostic criteria for KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). After initiating antiretroviral therapy, his symptoms and radiological abnormalities drastically improved. After 1-year follow-up, his HIV was well controlled without any relapsing symptoms.

[Prevalence of kidney disease in HIV-infected patients in Japan--A single center study]

BACKGROUND

Kidney disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, epidemiologic and clinical variables regarding kidney disease have not been determined among HIV-infected patients in Japan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 788 HIV-infected outpatients including 706 men was conducted in 2009. The patient's mean age and CD4+ T cell count were 46.2 +/-11.8 years and 418 +/- 202/microL, respectively. Of them, 677 patients (86%) had an undetectable HIV-RNA level (<50 copies/mL). Random urine and blood samples were collected to study the coexistence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, serum cystatin C was measured since it is considered to be an alternative marker of early kidney dysfunction in the HIV population. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine was calculated using the 3-variable equation, proposed by the Japanese Society of Nephrology [eGFR (mL/ min/1.73m2) = 194 x Serum creatinine (-1.094) x Age (-0.287 x 0.739 (if female)]. CKD stages were classified based on the National Kidney Foundation guidelines.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CKD and that of CKD > or = stage 3 was 14.9% and 9.4%, respectively. The pro-portion of each stage was as follows: stage 1, 15 patients (1.9%); stage 2, 28 patients (3.6%); stage 3, 66 patients (8.4%); stage 4, 1 patient (0.1%); stage 5, 1 patient (0.1%); and stage 5D, 6 patients (0.8%). Elevation of serum cystatin C (> or = 0.9 mg/L) was found in 23.3%. Comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes were found in 55.4% and 27.0% in patients with CKD > or = stage 3, respectively. Urinalysis showed 71 patients (9.1%) with proteinuria and 44 patients (5.6%) with hematuria.

CONCLUSION

CKD has become an important comorbidity for HIV-infected patients in Japan, a point that should be given more emphasis from public health perspective.