Mitochondrial oxygen use in blood, muscle, and skin of people with long COVID

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study will compare mitochondrial oxygen consumption between adults with long COVID (symptoms ≥6 months) and convalescent individuals who fully recovered, using three measurement techniques applied to peripheral blood mononuclear cells, skeletal muscle, and skin. Participants will complete surveys, wear an activity tracker for seven days, undergo non-invasive functional tests across two visits about a week apart, and provide a blood sample. The protocol also examines how well the three techniques agree in quantifying oxygen use across the three tissues. Results will look for consistent differences that could indicate mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Individuals with long COVID:

Inclusion criteria:

* Long COVID diagnosis, based on the WHO definition;
* Presence of long COVID symptoms for a minimum of 6 months.
* History of confirmed or documented SARS-CoV-2 infection.
* Adult (≥18 years of age).
* Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale grade 2-4, while they had a grade 0 before the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Exclusion criteria:

* Pre-existing chronic diseases potentially affecting the functional status scale.
* Treatment with metabolism altering drugs.
* \> 10 standard units of alcohol (10 grams of alcohol/glass) per week.
* Unable to understand oral and written instructions in Dutch, French or English.
* Allergies to medical adhesive bandages.
* Porphyria and other skin conditions aggravated by sunlight.

Convalescent individuals

Inclusion criteria:

* History of confirmed or documented SARS-CoV-2 infection.
* Complete recovery after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, no history of long COVID based on the WHO definition;
* Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale \[2\] grade 0 both before the infection and currently.
* Adult (≥18 years of age).

Exclusion criteria:

* Pre-existing chronic non-communicable diseases (e.g. hypertension, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes).
* Treatment with metabolism altering drugs.
* \> 10 standard units of alcohol (10 grams of alcohol/glass) per week.
* Unable to understand oral and written instructions in Dutch, French or English.
* Allergies to medical adhesive bandages.
* Porphyria and other skin conditions aggravated by sunlight.

Where it's running

• Laarbeeklaan 101
  Jette, Brussels Capital, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elisabeth De Waele, MD. PhD. — Vitality Research Group, Metabolism and Nutrition, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Clinical Nutrition Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel)
• Study coordinator: Berenice G. Jimenez Garcia, Master of Science
• Email: berenice.gabriela.jimenez.garcia@vub.be
• Phone: +3224749624

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.