PEX in severe COVID19 [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Randomised Controlled Trial of plasma exchange with standard of care compared to standard of care alone in the treatment of severe COVID19 infection (COVIPLEX)\n\n
IRAS ID
284554
Contact name
Marie Scully
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Eudract number
2020-002668-29
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Data Protection, Pending
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 14 days
Research summary
COVID 19 is a severe viral infection. In patients who come into hospital, the main effect is on their breathing. In some cases oxygen is required, in others, help is needed to breath, either by a mask or a tube in the windpipe. The reason why this infection makes some people so unwell and affects their lungs is not known. But we do know there is a lot of inflammation and this is caused by the virus COVID19, which mainly affects the lungs. The inflammation also increases the risk of having blood clots. This is a randomised controlled trial, where half the patients enrolled will have standard medical care and the other half will receive plasma exchange (PEX). Plasma exchange involves a machine that removes patients plasma and replaces it with fresh plasma. This is aimed at reducing the inflammation and blot clot risk. The plasma exchange does not hurt or make patients unwell, but a line in a large vein is required so the daily proceedures can be undertaken. The benefit of this above many other treatmetns is we do not think it reduces patients immunity and make them at increased risk of further infections.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EE/0164
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion