Investigating long-term effects of COVID-19 through imaging and blood samples

Specific Markers of Covid-long Syndrome: Identifying the Mechanisms Involved With a View to Defining Diagnostic Criteria

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice · NCT06528171

This study is trying to find out how COVID-19 affects people in the long run by looking at brain scans and blood samples from those with ongoing symptoms and those who have fully recovered.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nice)
Trial IDNCT06528171 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19, known as COVID long-haul syndrome, by identifying specific biomarkers and developing diagnostic tools. It will recruit 120 participants, including 60 patients experiencing long-term symptoms and 60 controls who have recovered without persistent symptoms. The study will utilize brain MRI and blood samples to gather data for model learning and validation phases. The goal is to establish objective criteria for diagnosing and monitoring the evolution of COVID long-haul syndrome.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who have experienced long-term symptoms following COVID-19 infection, as well as those who have fully recovered without persistent symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic fatigue syndrome or those who required intensive care during their acute COVID-19 infection may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic tools and better management strategies for patients suffering from long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the long-term effects of COVID-19, but this approach focusing on specific biomarkers and imaging is innovative and may provide new insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
FOR CL+ PATIENTS

Inclusion Criteria:

* Case definition in line with WHO Delphi process

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed before or after Covid.
* History of progressive psychiatric pathology.
* History of acute Covid requiring admission to intensive care and mechanical ventilation.
* No social security affiliation.

FOR CONTROL (CL-)

Inclusion Criteria:

* History of acute COVID-19, mild, moderate or severe (episode at least 3 months at the time of inclusion).
* Absence of persistent symptoms more than 3 months after first Covid symptoms (or mild not affecting daily activities).

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of progressive psychiatric pathology.
* History of acute Covid requiring admission to intensive care and mechanical ventilation.
* No social security affiliation.
* Pregnant or breast-feeding.

Where this trial is running

Nice

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COVID Long-Haul
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.