ICMR: Some adverse reactions to plasma - The Times Of India

ICMR: Some adverse reactions to plasma - The Times Of India

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:

16.09.2020

The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said early evidence from one of its randomised controlled trials on the efficacy of convalescent plasma for Covid-19 patients has shown the possibility of adverse reactions in some cases, even as the therapy did not reduce mortality nor did it prevent progression from moderate to severe disease.

The study conducted on 464 patients across 39 hospitals in 25 districts spread over 14 states and UTs was still under peer review and full publication of the results was awaited, ICMR director general Balram Bhargava said. “Once peer review happens and we get full publication out, this data will be considered again by the national task force and joint monitoring group of the health ministry and then a decision will be taken if we should continue with this or not,” he said.

States now have plasma banks too

There are a few cases where some reactions can occur and, therefore, we will take a considered view once we get the full publication of this study,” Bhargava said, indicating that the government may review its earlier guidelines on the use of plasma therapy. The comments assume significance as many states have now set up plasma banks even as results of the trials to establish its efficacy are yet to be published.