Two patients with rituximab associated low gammaglobulin levels and relapsed covid-19 infections treated with convalescent plasma

Transfus Apher Sci. 2021 Jun;60(3):103104. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103104. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Abstract

Patients with haematological malignancies are considered to be a risk group for developing severe Coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Because of the limitations of therapeutic options, the development of new treatment strategies is mandatory, such as convalescent plasma (CP). Herein we report the use of CP therapy as an off-label indication in two lymphoma patients with relapsed COVID-19 in the setting of low gammaglobulin levels because of previous rituximab chemo-immunotherapy. Both were PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 but had an absence of antibodies to the virus more than one month later of symptoms initiation. They developed important respiratory and neurological complications. After CP infusion, neutralising antibodies were detected and viral load dissapeared in both patients leading to clinical improvement with no more Covid-19 relapse.

Keywords: COVID-19; Convalescent plasma; Hypogammaglobulinemia; Rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • COVID-19 Serotherapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • gamma-Globulins / immunology
  • gamma-Globulins / metabolism*

Substances

  • gamma-Globulins
  • Rituximab