Plasmaféresis terapéutica y fármacos biotecnológicos: experiencia clínica en pacientes con COVID-19 en Cuba.

Introduction: The experience of using therapeutic plasmapheresis in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases allowed us to propose and indicate this therapy in combination with Cuban biotechnological drugs in patients with COVID-19; a disease characterized by the uncontrolled release of cytokines that activate the proinflammatory response, acute respiratory failure syndrome, thrombotic events and multiorgan failure. Objective: To describe the results of the use of therapeutic plasmapheresis combined with Cuban biotechnological drugs in patients with worsening of COVID-19 disease. Methodology: The research was carried out during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic at the "Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Army Military Hospital in Villa Clara, during the months of March and April 2021. Case study involving 16 patients over 18 years of age with positive PCR-RT for SARS-CoV-2, with deterioration in their clinical and laboratory condition who underwent plasmapheresis treatment and Cuban biotechnological drugs: Itolizumab, Jusvinza, HeberFERON® e Intacglobin®. Results: 75% of the patients were classified as potentially serious. Half of the patients received Itolizumab and at least one therapeutic plasmapheresis session. The response was favorable, 100% had negative PCRRT, and D-dimer normalized more quickly, followed by C - reactive protein. Fewer plasmapheresis sessions were needed to achieve recovery. Conclusions: Therapeutic plasmapheresis in patients with COVID-19 was a complementary and promising treatment; combined with biopharmaceuticals, innovative and necessary to reduce the inflammatory and viral load and achieve the recovery of the patient with clinical worsening of his condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]