Therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in intensive care unit: Cases series.

Abstract Introduction COVID 19 pneumonia can lead to an inappropriate inflammatory response, and can be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome, multivisceral failure with a high mortality rate. Objective To observe the effect of therapeutic plasma exchange on the excessive inflammatory response. Materials and methods In this study, we included 7 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) department of the university hospital of Oujda. COVID-19 cases were confirmed by RT PCR (reverse transcription‐polymerase chain) and CT (computerized tomography) imaging according to WHO guidelines. Therapeutic plasma exchange was performed decrease cytokine storm-induced ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome). Inflammation marker assays were performed before and after therapeutic plasma exchange to assess its efficacy. Results Levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and acute phase response proteins, including ferritin and CRP, were elevated before therapeutic plasma exchange. After therapeutic plasma exchange, levels of acute phase reactants, inflammatory mediators, were significantly reduced (p  Conclusion Our data suggest that therapeutic plasma exchange reduces the inflammatory response in patients with severe COVID-19 not undergoing mechanical ventilation. Further studies are needed to explore the efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with COVID-19.