inability to recruit more patients

Plasma exchanges with 5% human albumin (2/3 of the exchanged plasma volume) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP: 1/3) in patients with quick <50% or only with 5% albumin in patients with quick of 50% or more. We will exchange between 1.2 and 1.5 plasma volumes, that will vary according to sex, weight, height and hematocrit.

Plasma exchange (PE) is a standardized and safe therapeutic procedure, used in the treatment of various diseases that require rapid and prolonged elimination of endogenous and exogenous substances, with deleterious effects on the function of different organs and systems. The efficacy and safety of PE has been demonstrated in patients with fulminant hepatitis (FH), an entity characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory response, multi-organ failure, and high short-term mortality. In FH, plasma exchange improves systemic inflammation, prevents organ failure and renal support requirements, and improves survival. Such treatment eliminates important endogenous and exogenous inducers of the systemic inflammatory response (PAMPs and DAMPs), proinflammatory mediators (cytokines and ROS), and other biologically active substances (nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and bradykinin) that are involved in the pathogenesis of organ failure. Several case reports also suggest that PE is an effective rescue therapy in critically ill patients with influenza A (H1N1). However, the efficacy of PE has not been evaluated in critically ill patients with COVID-19 disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female subject ≥18 years and < 80 years of age;
2. Subjects with diagnosis of COVID-19 disease by PCR in nasopharyngeal smear, sputum, or bronchial aspirates;
3. Subjects admitted in ICU with invasive mechanical ventilation;
4. Informed consent granted via telephone by relatives or legal representative

Exclusion Criteria:

1. More than seven days with invasive mechanical ventilation
2. Refractory Shock (Noradrenaline dose > 0.5 micrograms/ kg/minute)
3. Decompensated Cirrhosis
4. Chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis
5. Active neoplastic disease
6. Severe chronic heart failure (NYHA class III or IV)
7. Severe pulmonary disease (GOLD III or IV)
8. HIV infection (AIDS criteria)