Understanding how COVID-19 causes multi-organ failure

Multi-organ Failure in SARS-CoV2: Identifying Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Imperial College London · NCT04399603

This study looks at how COVID-19 can cause serious problems in multiple organs, especially the lungs and kidneys, to see what happens in the body and find ways to help those who are severely affected.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London (other)
Locations2 sites (London and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04399603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the mechanisms behind multi-organ failure in patients with COVID-19, particularly focusing on lung injury and acute kidney injury. Researchers will analyze the immune response and the role of cytokines and microvesicles in organ dysfunction. By comparing patients with COVID-19 to control subjects, the study seeks to uncover the biological processes that lead to severe complications in some individuals. The findings could provide insights into potential new therapies for managing COVID-19-related organ failure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-90 diagnosed with COVID-19 who have developed organ injury requiring oxygen support.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with advanced directives to withhold life-sustaining treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from severe COVID-19 complications.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on COVID-19 complications, this specific mechanistic approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients aged 18-90 years;
* Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and without COVID-19 (control purposes);
* Patients who have developed evidence of organ injury failure (requiring oxygen).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are under the age of 18;
* Refusal to consent/gain assent;
* Presence of an advanced directive to withhold or to withdraw life-sustaining treatment;
* Moribund patient likely to die within 24 hours.

Where this trial is running

London and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: COVID

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.