A 75-year-old male patient, who has been treated with coronavirus infection at Semmelweis University’s Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy since 15th April, has been liberated from the ventilator. The patient had been on the ventilator for 10 days when he was administered the serum and he was gradually woken up in the days following the treatment. He was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation on 11th May and his condition has been stable since.
The 75-year-old man reported at Semmelweis University’s Department of Emergency Care in mid-April where he was diagnosed with severe COVID-19 infection. The patient suffering from multiple chronic diseases was placed on a ventilator the following day. Due to the severity of his condition the administration of plasma therapy was decided following the consent of his relatives. He received the serum on 27th April and his lab test results, clinical and respiratory parameters started to improve soon after the therapy, allowing his gradual awakening and complete weaning from mechanical ventilation on 11th May.
As previously reported, plasma therapy is based on the use of antibodies produced in the blood of people who have already recovered from the diseases. The serum was developed by Dr. Zsombor Lacza, Vice-Rector of the University of Physical Education and CEO of OrthoSera in collaboration with Semmelweis University and the Virology Centre of the University of Pécs. The project was supported by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology.
In order to produce more serum to help more patients, the application of people recovered from the coronavirus to donate plasma is welcome. Recovered patients between the ages of 18 and 60 are expected to apply who have a proven record of recovery and have shown no symptoms for the past 5-6 weeks. Applications can be sent via email to info@orthosera.com or via telephone at +36 70 363 8768.
Eszter Kovács, Pálma Dobozi
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
