Insufficient eligible and consenting patients

The purpose of this study is to find out if transfusion of blood plasma containing antibodies against COVID-19 (anti-SARS-CoV-2), which were donated from a patient who recovered from COVID-19 infection, is safe and can treat COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

Antibodies are blood proteins produced by the body in response to a virus and can remain in the person's bloodstream (plasma) for a long time after they recover. Transferring plasma from a person who recovered from COVID-19 may help neutralize the virus in sick patients' blood, and/or reduce the chances of the infection getting worse.

There are 2 groups of research subjects: plasma donor and recipients

Volunteer plasma donors can donate Convalescent Plasma if they:

• have adequate antibody levels against COVID-19 per FDA Guidelines
• have had no symptoms of COVID-19 for at least 14 days
• meet routine plasma donation criteria

Inclusion Criteria for Plasma Recipients:

• Adults 18 years of age or older
• Hospitalized with PCR+ COVID-19 infection
• If female must not be pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Exclusion Criteria for Plasma Recipients:

• Unable to randomize patient within 14 days of admission to Stony Brook Hospital (or any other hospital if a transfer to Stony Brook Hospital).
• In the treating physician's opinion, the patient cannot tolerate a 450-550 mL infusion of plasma over up to 8 hours (4 hours max per unit), even if prophylaxed with intravenous diuretic
• Contraindication to transfusion or history of prior reactions to blood transfusions

Adverse Events (death, infusion reaction requiring termination of study plasma infusion, or Grade 4 or greater Organ Failure) were collected for the first 28 days. All-cause mortality was also assessed at 90 days.

Adverse Events (death, infusion reaction requiring termination of study plasma infusion, or Grade 4 or greater Organ Failure) were collected for the first 28 days. All-cause mortality was also assessed at 90 days.

Staff in Transfusion Services (Blood Bank) at Stony Brook will be unblinded so they can collect, store, and dispense either convalescent plasma or standard plasma. They will affix an approved label with all required information, e.g. bar code, blood type, expiration date, and will indicate that the bag contains convalescent plasma/standard plasma.