Cognitive Impairment and Fatigue After Mild to Moderate COVID-19
1 other identifier
observational
100
1 country
1
Brief Summary
The primary aim of the project is to map fatigue, cognitive and visual dysfunctions and possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in persons with long-term symptoms after a mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Secondary goals are to study whether covarying factors such as depression and sleep disorders contribute to the results.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P50-P75 for all trials
Started Apr 2021
Longer than P75 for all trials
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
April 1, 2021
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
September 7, 2023
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
September 18, 2023
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 31, 2025
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
December 31, 2025
CompletedSeptember 21, 2023
September 1, 2023
4.8 years
September 7, 2023
September 18, 2023
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (13)
Fatigability from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)-IV Coding Test
The subject must fill in the blank spaces with the symbol which is paired to the number for 120 seconds. Cognitive fatigue is assessed by subtracting the number of digits produced in the first 30 seconds from the number of digits produced in the last 30 seconds during the full 120-second period. A non-ascending score (\< 0) is considered an indicator of cognitive fatigue. Both the total value in the difference between the production between 0-30 seconds and 91-120 seconds are measured, and a dichotomized variable (non-ascending value) will be used.
baseline
Buschke selective reminding test (BSRT)
The BSRT measure verbal learning and long-term memory. The subject hears a list of 12 unrelated words and immediately after that have to recall as many of these 12 words as possible. On each subsequent trial, the subject only hears the words that the subject did not recall on the immediately preceding trial. The test proceed in this manner until the subject can correctly recall all 12 words on two consecutive trials, or until 12 trials have been completed. Through assessing the recall of items that are not presented on a given trial, this test is believed to distinguish between retrieval from long-term storage (LTS) and short-term recall (STR). Consistent recalled words (CLTS) are thought to represent executive aspects of the learning process. After the learning phase, the subject is asked to free recall the words after a 30-minute delay. A cued recall and a multiple-choice condition are also included in the test.
baseline
Ruff 2&7
Ruff 2 \& 7 measures sustained and selective attention as a continuous performance test during 5 minutes. The subject has to identify and cancel the target digits (2 and 7) among distractors; either letters (automatic sustained attention) or numbers (controlled selective attention), in random order. Both accuracy and speed are measured. Higher scores mean better performance. Performance is evaluated according to the test manual.
baseline
The Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Color-Word Test
Inhibition of over-learned verbal responses. The test has four conditions: 1) naming colors (red, blue or green, 2) reading color words printed in black, 3) naming the color of the color words red, blue or green write in a different color than what is written, which means inhibition of an over-learned function of reading the word; 4) repeatedly switching between naming colors and reading out the printed words as quickly as possible, while at the same time the person needs to keep track of clues that indicate rule change. Contrast scores are used to examine the performance of the more complex tasks 3 and 4 and the basic tasks 1 and 2. The faster the time, the better
baseline
Fatigability on e-prime vigilance task in the fMRI scanner
The participants are instructed to push a button as quick as they can when a set of four zeroes appears in a red rectangle and do nothing if other numbers appear. After each response visual feedback of the reaction time is displayed. If the participant reacts at a false stimulus or if the response time of more than 1 sec. the feedback "false answer" or "no answer" is displayed respectively. The stimuli are presented at random intervals.
baseline
Task-based fMRI
Cerebral perfusion changes during reaction time paradigm.
baseline
Resting-state fMRI
Changes in functional connectivity after performance of a reaction time paradigm.
baseline
Developmental Eye Movement Test
Saccadic eye movements are assessed with the Developmental Eye Movement Test. In the first step, the subject read 40 one-digit numbers arranged in two columns. Time duration and reading errors are measured. This is repeated with a new set of numbers where the subject read 80 numbers distributed over 16 horizontal lines. There are 5 irregularly spaced numbers per line, intended to mimic the way the eyes make saccadic movements during reading. For at ratio the total time duration for reading numbers horizontally is divided by the total time for reading numbers vertically.
baseline
Visual Motion Sensitivity
Sensitivity to movement in the environment was assessed according to the Visual Motion Sensitivity Clinical Test Protocol. The subject is asked to stand and gaze straight ahead at a fixation mark on the wall at eye level at 4 m distance. An Opto Kinetic Nystagmus drum is held at 25 cm from the face. The drum is rotated at slow-medium velocity while the subject is asked to grade symptoms on a scale of 0-10, where zero means no bother at all and 10 a strong effect of nauseous or somatic or visual sensation.
baseline
Biomarkers
S100B, Astrocyte-derived Extracellular Vesicles (EV) and High Mobility Group Box 1 (Hmbg1). Exploratory targeted analyses using panels of cytokines \& chemokines and neuroinflammation will also be used.
baseline
Symptom questionnaire
The subject rates 32 different cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms where 0 represents have not had this symptom at all, 1 = have had the symptom but is not a problem anymore, 2 = is still a small problem, 3 = is a moderate problem, and 4 = a severe problem. A maximum score is 128 points.
baseline and 1 year and 2 years after the neuropsychological assessment
Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20
The MFI-20 consists of five scales, based on different modes of expressing fatigue. Each scale contains four items for which the subject indicates on a seven-point scale to what extent the statement applies best. 'General fatigue' includes general statements concerning a person's functioning. 'Physical fatigue' refers to the physical sensation related to the feeling of tiredness. 'Reduced activities' measures reduction in activities and 'Reduced motivation' lack of motivation. 'Mental fatigue' measures cognitive symptoms related to fatigue. Some sentences are inverted and need to be rescored. On each scales the higher values the higher fatigue.
baseline and 1 year and 2 years after the neuropsychological assessment
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
A rapid screening test consisting of seven different domains including 1) visuospatial/executive functions, 2) naming, 3) memory, 4) attention, 5) language, 6) abstraction, and 7) orientation. The total score is 30 points +1 point adjustment for low education); normal functioning is considered from score of 26 and above.
baseline and 1 year and 2 years after the neuropsychological assessment
Secondary Outcomes (8)
Visual Analog Scale of Fatigue
baseline
D-KEFS Word Fluency Test
baseline
WAIS-IV Digit Span
baseline
Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS)
baseline
Brain Injury Vision Symptom Survey measuring general vision-related symptoms (BIVSS)
baseline
- +3 more secondary outcomes
Other Outcomes (9)
Sniffn' sticks
baseline
Anatomical MRI
baseline
Other visual functions
baseline
- +6 more other outcomes
Study Arms (2)
Post-COVID condition
Patients experiencing persisting cognitive dysfunction and fatigue after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, three months or more after the infections
Non-symptomatic controls
Persons experiencing no symptoms after the SARS-CoV-2 infection or have not been subject for at SARS-CoV-2 infection
Interventions
Comprehensive neuropsychological test battery covering logical reasoning, different attention functions, executive functions, visuospatial functions, different memory functions, psychomotor speed, motor functions, and smell identification
Extended vision examination including symptom assessment, visual acuity, visual field (confrontation), eye movements, eye teaming and clinical assessment of hypersensitivity to visual stimuli.
The MRI sequence protocol includes resting state fMRI before and after the participants do an established 20 min long reaction time measurement paradigm (E-prime). During the paradigm a pseudo-continious arterial spin labeling sequence (pCASL) is acquired for continuous measurement of brain perfusion. Following the functional sequences the imaging protocol also includes a high resolution 3D T1weighted sequence Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo (MPRAGE) for brain structure, a high resolution 3D T2-weighted sequence Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) for pathology and a 3D susceptibility weighted image (SWI) for microvascular abnormalities.
Venous blood samples (10-20 ml) are taken from the elbow crease. They are drawn in the morning, and the participants are asked to fast for 12 hours prior to sampling. They are also asked to avoid physical activity prior to blood sampling. The samples are drawn into citrated tubes.
Eligibility Criteria
Outpatients with long term (\>3 months) cognitive symptoms and fatigue after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and present at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Danderyd University Hospital
You may qualify if:
- Persons 18 years and older with a history of (\> 3 months) verified COVID-19 (PCR / rapid test / antibody) or an infection that is most likely a SARS-CoV-2 infection (e.g., a close relative had a verified infection that coincided in time with the patient's illness) and who have persistent problems with cognitive impairment or fatigue affecting the return to previous activities / employment.
You may not qualify if:
- Dominant recurrent and / or fluctuating symptoms of infection, circulatory, respiratory or cardiac problems.
- Co-morbidities that may cause cognitive impairment such as neurodegenerative disease, substance abuse, severe mental illness (eg. schizophrenia, mano depressive disorder) or severe depression.
- Not fluent in Swedish, as test and self-reports rely on good mastering of the Swedish language.
- Severe premorbid visual impairment.
- Additionally for the fMRI study:
- Not verified SARS-CoV-2 infection with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) / rapid test / antibody review
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neuropsychiatric disease such as diagnosed ADHD or autism
- Younger than 25 years or older than 55 years (to avoid the risk that the brain is not fully developed or that there is a risk of age-related changes in the brain).
- MRI contraindications (such as metal objects in the body, fear of cramped spaces, pregnancy, body weight over 130 kg), and left-handedness (to increase the likelihood of uniform topological lateralization in the cohort).
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- Danderyd Hospitallead
- Karolinska Institutetcollaborator
- Karolinska University Hospitalcollaborator
- Uppsala University Hospitalcollaborator
Study Sites (1)
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd Hospital
Stockholm, 18288, Sweden
Related Publications (35)
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Biospecimen
Astrocyte-derived EV, and Hmbg1. Exploratory targeted analyses using panels of cytokines \& chemokines and neuroinflammation will also be used.
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- STUDY DIRECTOR
Kristian Borg, Professor
Karolinska Institutet
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Marika C Möller, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- observational
- Observational Model
- CASE CONTROL
- Time Perspective
- CROSS SECTIONAL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Associate Professor
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
September 7, 2023
First Posted
September 18, 2023
Study Start
April 1, 2021
Primary Completion
December 31, 2025
Study Completion
December 31, 2025
Last Updated
September 21, 2023
Record last verified: 2023-09