Testing IV saline for cognitive function in POTS and Long COVID patients
Neurocognitive Testing in Long COVID and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Patients With Normal Saline: A Pilot Study
This study is testing whether IV saline can help improve brain fog and mental fatigue in people with POTS and Long COVID.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT05914649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of intravenous (IV) saline on cognitive dysfunction in patients diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (Long COVID). Participants will receive either a 999 mL infusion of normal saline or a placebo of 50 mL saline to assess improvements in cognitive function, specifically targeting symptoms like brain fog and mental fatigue. The study aims to provide initial insights into the neurocognitive impairments associated with these conditions and evaluate the potential therapeutic role of saline infusions. By comparing cognitive performance before and after treatment, the researchers hope to establish a foundation for future studies on underlying mechanisms and treatments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 60 with a diagnosis of Long COVID or POTS who experience cognitive dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with overt causes for POTS or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for patients suffering from POTS and Long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on saline infusions for cognitive dysfunction in these populations, the study's approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in understanding.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with diagnosis of Long COVID * SARS-COV2 test positive * Symptoms \> 12 weeks post COVID * Subjective complaint of 'brain fog" or cognitive dysfunction * Patients with diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Syndrome (POTS) from the Calgary Autonomic Investigation and Management Clinic * Subjective complaint of 'brain fog" or cognitive impairment * Healthy participants * Without POTS or "brain fog" * Age 18 to 60 years * Female and Male * Able to give an informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with overt causes for POTS (e.g., dehydration, prolonged bed rest) * An inability to safely withdraw from medicine(s) that could make test interpretation difficult and impossible. * Other factors which are in the investigator's opinion would prevent the participant from completing the protocol, including poor compliance during previous studies or an unpredictable schedule. * Unable to give an informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Satish R Raj, MD MSCI — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Satish R Raj, MD MSCI
- Email: autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: (403)210-6152
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.