The role of convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulins in the COVID-19 pandemic, including implications for future preparedness.

Introduction: When Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) struck the world in December 2019, initiatives started to investigate the efficacy of convalescent plasma, a readily available source of passive antibodies, collected from recovered patients as a therapeutic option. This was based on historical observational data from previous virus outbreaks.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted on the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulins for COVID-19 treatment.

The use of predictive modelling to determine the likelihood of donor return during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses sophisticated algorithms to "learn" from large volumes of data. This could be used to optimise recruitment of blood donors through predictive modelling of future blood supply, based on previous donation and transfusion demand. We sought to assess utilisation of predictive modelling and AI blood establishments (BE) and conducted predictive modelling to illustrate its use.

A global analysis of the use of immunoglobulin, shortages in supply, and mitigating measures: A survey of hospital providers (a BEST Collaborative study).

Background: Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy is widely used to treat primary and secondary immune deficiencies and as immunomodulatory agent for various disorders. There is great concern that shortages of IG may rise, potentially affecting medical treatment options.

Study Design And Methods: An international survey was developed to study how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are used and managed within hospitals in case of shortages.

Plasma collection and supply in Europe: Proceedings of an International Plasma and Fractionation Association and European Blood Alliance symposium.

At the symposium organized by the International Plasma and Fractionation Association and European Blood Alliance, experts presented their views and experiences showing that the public sector and its blood establishments may strengthen the collection and increase the supply of plasma using the right strategies in plasma donor recruitment, retention and protection, scaling-up collection by increasing the number of donors within improved/new infrastructure, supportive funding, policies and legislation as well as harmonization of clinical guidelines and the collaboration of all stakeholders. Such approaches should contribute to increased plasma collection in Europe to meet patients' needs for plasma-derived medicinal products, notably immunoglobulins and avoid shortages. Overall, presentations and discussions confirmed that European non-profit transfusion institutions are committed to increasing the collection of plasma for fractionation from unpaid donors through dedicated programmes as well as novel strategies and research.

Convalescent plasma for people with COVID-19: a living systematic review.

Background: Convalescent plasma may reduce mortality in patients with viral respiratory diseases, and is being investigated as a potential therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A thorough understanding of the current body of evidence regarding benefits and risks of this intervention is required.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and safety of convalescent plasma transfusion in the treatment of people with COVID-19; and to maintain the currency of the evidence using a living systematic review approach.

Managing blood supplies during natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and pandemics: lessons learned from COVID-19.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a historic public health crisis with widespread social and economic ramifications. The pandemic has also affected the blood supply, resulting in unprecedented and sustained blood shortages.

Areas Covered: This review describes the challenges of maintaining a safe and sufficient blood supply in the wake of natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and pandemics.

Patient blood management in adults and children: What have we achieved, and what still needs to be addressed?

An overview of Patient Blood Management (PBM), with its main scope to preserve the patient's own blood to improve the patient's outcome, is presented here, including the research gaps that needs to be addressed, particularly in the pediatric age group. Next, novel techniques to analyse PBM data and the challenges and strategies of PBM implementation will also be discussed.

Guidance on the Use of Convalescent Plasma to Treat Immunocompromised Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) is a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 in immunocompromised (IC) patients. IC patients have a higher risk of persistent infection, severe disease, and death from COVID-19. Despite the continued clinical use of CCP to treat IC patients, the optimal dose, frequency/schedule, and duration of CCP treatment has yet to be determined, and related best practices guidelines are lacking.

Hyperimmune immunoglobulin for people with COVID-19.

Background: Hyperimmune immunoglobulin (hIVIG) contains polyclonal antibodies, which can be prepared from large amounts of pooled convalescent plasma or prepared from animal sources through immunisation. They are being investigated as a potential therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review was previously part of a parent review addressing convalescent plasma and hIVIG for people with COVID-19 and was split to address hIVIG and convalescent plasma separately.

Management of blood transfusion services in low-resource countries.

Background And Objectives: Enabling universal access to safe blood components should be a key component of every country's national healthcare strategy. This study aimed to assess the current status of infrastructure and resources of blood transfusion services (BTS) in low- and middle-income countries.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to gather information on blood donations, components, redistribution, testing resources and quality management systems (QMSs).

E-learning/online education in transfusion medicine: A cross-sectional international survey.

Objectives: This survey aims to assess the scope of transfusion e-learning courses in blood establishments and transfusion services internationally.

Background: E-learning/online education is increasingly used in the education of medical professionals. There is limited published data on the use of e-learning for transfusion medicine.

Production and Quality Assurance of Human Polyclonal Hyperimmune Immunoglobulins Against SARS-CoV-2.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the potential therapeutic value of early passive polyclonal immunotherapy using high-titer convalescent plasma (CCP). Human polyclonal hyperimmune immunoglobulin (HIG) has several advantages over CCP. Unlike CCP, HIG can provide standardized and controlled antibody content.

Using a scenario approach to assess for the current and future demand of immunoglobulins: An interview and literature study from The Netherlands.

Objectives: To explore the current and future demand of immunoglobulins globally and specifically for the Netherlands by assessing: (I) which specialties contribute to current demand, (II) new areas of medical need, (III) which transformational factors may impact demand and to what effect, by using a scenario approach.

Background: As immunoglobulin demand continues to increase globally, there is concern of increasing shortages and questions of whether and how future demand will continue based on medical need.

Methods/materials: In line with scenario principles, a scoping review of Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane and grey literature was conducted.

SARS-CoV-2-neutralising monoclonal antibodies to prevent COVID-19.

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules derived from the B cells of an infected host. They are being investigated as potential prophylaxis to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objectives: To assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2-neutralising mAbs, including mAb fragments, to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19; and to maintain the currency of the evidence, using a living systematic review approach.

International Society of Blood Transfusion survey of experiences of blood banks and transfusion services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background And Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted blood systems worldwide. Challenges included maintaining blood supplies and initiating the collection and use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). Sharing information on the challenges can help improve blood collection and utilization.

Detection of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Lymphoma Survivors.

Background: Long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma experience late adverse effects of radiotherapy and/or anthracycline-containing chemotherapy, leading to premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify markers for subclinical cardiovascular disease using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in survivors of HL and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Methods: CMR was performed in 80 lymphoma survivors treated with mediastinal radiotherapy with or without anthracyclines, and results were compared with those among 40 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex.