Difference Between Convalescent Plasma Therapy and Hyperimmune Globulin


When treating SARIs (severe acute respiratory infections) caused by viruses, it is common practice to provide either convalescent plasma (plasma obtained from the blood of a patient who has recovered from a sickness) or serum, or hyperimmune immunoglobulin (H-Ig).

Since there aren't many fast-acting treatments for treating coronavirus, convalescent plasma therapy is the best bet.

Due to the intricate nature of its production, hyperimmune globulin (H-Ig) is less readily available and requires more time to generate. H-Ig, on the other hand, provides uniformly virus-specific antibodies across all units, reducing the likelihood that patients would contract any virus (not only COVID-19) from donors. The extended storage life makes it easy to stockpile and employ in the event of an unexpected pandemic.

A number of studies have shown that convalescent plasma treatment is both safe and effective, thus it has been given the all-clear for widespread use. More human clinical studies of H-Ig are needed.

What is Convalescent Plasma Therapy?

Blood from patients who have fully recovered from an illness is used in a process called convalescent plasma therapy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved convalescent plasma treatment for those with COVID-19 infection (coronavirus disease). Due to the new nature of the COVID-19 infection and the lack of an authorized treatment for coronavirus, the FDA has suggested the use of convalescent plasma therapy during the current pandemic.

Donor blood that has been tested for antibodies against coronavirus can help those who are currently infected. Donated blood from cured patients undergoes a procedure that separates the plasma (a liquid) and the antibodies. People infected with COVID-19 can take these to boost their immunity to the virus.

What is Hyperimmune Globulin?

One kind of immunoglobulin (antibodies) with important medicinal applications is known as hyperimmune globulin. Immunoglobulins are the preparations with the highest concentrations of antibodies, which protect against many diseases and infections by means of a passive immune response.

High titers of antibodies (a protein generated by the body's immune system in response to the detection of hazardous objects known as antigens) against a particular organism or antigen in the plasma indicate that the donor (recovered patient) has immunity to that antigen or organism.

Differences: Convalescent Plasma Therapy and Hyperimmune Globulin

The following table highlights the major differences between Convalescent Plasma Therapy and Hyperimmune Globulin −

Characteristics

Convalescent Plasma Therapy

Hyperimmune Globulin

Definition

Human plasma obtained from cured COVID-19 patients. Directly transfused to patients with life-threatening COVID-19 problems

The use of concentrated antibodies obtained from the collection, processing, and purification of convalescent plasma as a therapeutic agent.

Possible worldwide therapy for those at risk for severe COVID 19 consequences.

Examples

Virucidal activity is inhibited only to a little degree. Prior to using donated plasma, scientists must rule out the presence of any additional viruses.

Additional testing or evaluation of blood properties may be necessary to guarantee compatibility.

Totally nullified virus population. There are specific viral inactivation or elimination processes used in all Hyperimmune Globulin formulations. It is not necessary to match blood types.

Fundamental Attribution Error

Quicker availability for short-term use thanks to less processing time.

Plasma can be utilized the same day it's gathered, but it must be injected or frozen within 24 hours.

Availability of Hyperimmune Globulin will be delayed because of the additional time and effort required in processing and clinical testing.

It may be stored for up to 36 months, making it easier to deliver in the event of subsequent epidemics.

Efficacy

The efficacy may differ depending on the source. The potential efficacy of a unit of plasma varies according on the number and variety of antibodies present in that unit, which might vary from donor to donor.

Antibody titers assured, as it is concentrated and purified pool convalescent plasma.

Every vial of Hyperimmune Globulin is guaranteed to contain a certain amount of antibodies.

There shouldn't be any clinically significant variation in the efficacy across batches.

Effectiveness

Due to its high water content, plasma is diluted in convalescent patients.

When compared to other volumes, it has a lower concentration of antibodies that target certain viruses.

Greater effectiveness due to increased concentration.

Hyperimmune globulin has a lower concentration of virus-specific antibodies than other globulins.

Conclusion

In Convalescent Plasma Therapy, the plasma from one or more donors is given to a single patient as part of an individualized treatment plan. This method is not easily scalable to meet global demands.

Hyperimmune Globulin Therapy can be done on a massive scale. Manufacturing facilities receive plasms from donors who have successfully recovered from COVID-19. There, it is combined with others, treated to eliminate or neutralize pathogens, and refined to concentrate antibodies.

Updated on: 26-Apr-2023

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