Investigating lung blood vessel issues in long-COVID patients with breathing difficulties
Pulmonary Vascular Dysfunction as a Cause of Persistent Exertional Dyspnea After COVID-19 (PulmVasC)- A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort/Observational Study
This study is testing if lung blood vessel problems are causing ongoing breathing difficulties in people who have recovered from COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Giessen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giessen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05374577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify pulmonary vascular disease as a potential cause of persistent exertional dyspnea in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. It will differentiate pulmonary vascular dysfunction from other causes of dyspnea, such as muscular or psychological factors, by examining ventilation-perfusion mismatch and exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension. Patients will be evaluated in outpatient clinics specializing in pneumology and infectious diseases, focusing on those with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between 3 to 18 months prior to their presentation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with suspected post/long-COVID-19 syndrome presenting with dyspnea or exercise limitations.
Not a fit: Patients with severe underlying chronic diseases or other non-pulmonary causes of dyspnea may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from long-term breathing difficulties after COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of pulmonary vascular dysfunction in post-COVID patients is emerging, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years, patients with a suspected diagnosis of post/long-COVID-19 syndrome who present to our pneumology or infectious disease outpatient clinic or corresponding ward from the start of the study and whose SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed at least 3 and not longer than 18 months prior to presentation * Patients at least 3 and not longer than 18 months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection without post/long-COVID-19 syndrome who present to our post-infection outpatient clinic for follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who refuse to participate in the study * Severe underlying chronic pulmonary, cardiac, or systemic disease (e.g., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe heart failure, neuromuscular disease) that was diagnosed prior to acute COVID-19 disease and whose progression appears likely as the cause of dyspnea * Other non pneumologic causes of dyspnea (e.g., hemoglobin \< 100 g/L) * Unstable or acute disease (e.g., acute infection, acute renal failure, acute coronary syndrome) * Inability to perform spiroergometry, including transient orthopedic problems, contraindications to central venous and arterial catheter placement (e.g., severe bleeding tendency).
Where this trial is running
Giessen
- Natascha Sommer — Giessen, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Natascha Sommer, PD — Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC)
- Study coordinator: Natascha Sommer, PD
- Email: Natascha.Sommer@innere.med.uni-giessen.de
- Phone: +0049-(0641)985 56742
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.