Early and repeated use of plasma for the management of Ebola patients: Reflection around a case

Transfus Clin Biol. 2017 Feb;24(1):5-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tracli.2016.08.005. Epub 2016 Sep 14.

Abstract

In December 2013, the most widespread epidemic of Ebola virus disease began in Guinea and continued for over 2 years. At the request of the Guinean state, France deployed a military field hospital to treat Ebola infected healthcare workers. From January to July 2015, our center supported 26 healthcare workers suffering from Ebola virus disease. Despite an individualized care and optimal treatment, the fatality rate remained high at 30.7%. Improved therapies are required to reduce mortality risk in Ebola virus disease. We report the case of a patient admitted to the hospital on the 4th day after onset, who survived despite several clinical and biological predictors of fatal outcome. We transfused plasma at a high dose and spread over time. This innovative therapeutic approach was based on our clinical experience of Ebola patients' management, literature review and knowledge of plasma ability to restore coagulation disorders and endotheliopathy. Even without any bleeding sign, coagulopathy and endothelial permeability disorders participate in hypovolemia and fatal multi-system organ failure. Early intake of therapeutic plasma at repeated doses seems to reduce the endothelial permeability and coagulation disorders related to Ebola virus disease.

Keywords: Coagulation disorders; Coagulopathie; Ebola; Endothelial permeability; Endothélipathy; TCA; aPPT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amides / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Component Transfusion*
  • Blood Preservation
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Freeze Drying
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / drug therapy
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plasma*
  • Pyrazines / therapeutic use
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Amides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Pyrazines
  • favipiravir