Two patients with rituximab associated low gammaglobulin levels and relapsed covid-19 infections treated with convalescent plasma.

Abstract

Patients with haematological malignancies are considered to be a risk group for developing severe Coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Because of the limitations of therapeutic options, the development of new treatment strategies is mandatory, such as convalescent plasma (CP). Herein we report the use of CP therapy as an off-label indication in two lymphoma patients with relapsed COVID-19 in the setting of low gammaglobulin levels because of previous rituximab chemo-immunotherapy. Both were PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 but had an absence of antibodies to the virus more than one month later of symptoms initiation. They developed important respiratory and neurological complications. After CP infusion, neutralising antibodies were detected and viral load dissapeared in both patients leading to clinical improvement with no more Covid-19 relapse.

• Authors: Irati Ormazabal Vélez, Juan Induráin Bermejo, José Espinoza Pérez, Laura Imaz Aguayo, Marina Delgado Ruiz, José Antonio García-Erce
• Journal: Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis (Transfus Apher Sci) Vol. 60 Issue 3 Pg. 103104 (Jun 2021) ISSN: 1473-0502 [Print] England
• PMID: 33637467 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• gamma-Globulins
• Rituximab

Topics

• Aged
• COVID-19 (immunology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunization, Passive
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Recurrence
• Rituximab (therapeutic use)
• gamma-Globulins (immunology, metabolism)
• COVID-19 Serotherapy
• COVID-19 Drug Treatment