THE Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI Bahrain) said it has sponsored the national convalescent plasma clinical trial for Covid-19 patients, in collaboration with the BDF Hospital and the Health Ministry, the GDN reported today.
The clinical trial, which will be conducted in three centres around Bahrain, entails taking antibody-rich plasma donated by patients recovered from Covid-19, and injecting it into patients who are severely suffering from the disease.
Patients who have contracted the virus and require oxygen therapy will be randomised to either the plasma treatment with supporting care, or normal supporting care, both of which will include drug treatment against the virus.
“RCSI Bahrain believes in excellence in collaboration research and service and we strongly feel it is our duty to dedicate our knowledge, experience, and resources to actively participate in this clinical trial, in support of Bahrain’s effort in combating this pandemic, and to all the Covid-19 patients globally who are fighting for their lives,” said RCSI Bahrain president Professor Sameer Otoom.
“The goal of the clinical trial is to see if the convalescent plasma will reduce the severity of the disease and prevent patients from needing mechanical ventilation.
“It is hoped that the outcome of the trial will not only help local patients, but also assist globally in the fight against this virus.”
RCSI Bahrain School of Postgraduate Studies and Research head Professor Stephen Atkin is one of the senior members involved in the clinical trial, with specific interest and experience in translational medicine, encompassing both clinical and laboratory work.
