The aim for this study is further to elucidate the presence of dysautonomia in post-covid-19 patients, by evaluating heart rate variability.
The COVID-19 pandemic is currently a serious global public health concern. This disease is caused by a novel coronavirus which was first discovered in Wuhan, China in 2019 and later spread rapidly throughout the world. Symptoms of the disease can manifest as fever, cough, encephalitis, myalgia, fatigue, muscle weakness, arthralgia, anosmia, and impairment in other bodily functions in the acute phase. In 17% to 67% of cases, COVID-19 patients will develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and critical illness. Besides the impact on the respiratory system, coronaviruses have an effect on other systems including the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and gastrointestinal system. Potential long-term secondary effects on the musculoskeletal system such as muscle weakness, decreased muscle mass, and myopathies have been brought under attention. Persisting symptoms in patients recovered from COVID-19 infection are frequently a complaint with at least 1 symptom, particularly fatigue and dyspnea. In recent papers, the authors commented on the potential role of dysautonomia in the post-covid-19 entity related to microangiopathy and endothelial injury. Such lesions were already reported in brain biopsy samples of severe COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of this study is further to elucidate the presence of dysautonomia in post-covid-19 patients, by evaluating heart rate variability.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
Indicators of dysautonomia
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Jette, Brussels Capital, Belgium
RECRUITINGHeart rate variability
Heart rate variability will be measured using a 2-lead ECG.
Time frame: The change between baseline, 3 months (primary time endpoint), 6 months and 12 months
Electrodermal activity
Electrodermal activity will be measured by applying two skin conductance sensors.
Time frame: The change between baseline, 3 months (primary time endpoint), 6 months and 12 months
Respiration rate
Respiration will be measured using a respiration sensor (an elastic belt) .
Time frame: The change between baseline, 3 months (primary time endpoint), 6 months and 12 months
Blood volume pulse
The blood volume pulse sensor uses fingertip photo plethysmography.
Time frame: The change between baseline, 3 months (primary time endpoint), 6 months and 12 months
Functionality and disability
Functional status will be evaluated by the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale.
Time frame: The change between baseline, 3 months (primary time endpoint), 6 months and 12 months
Functionality and disability
Level of dyspnea during activities of daily living will be evaluated by the London chest Activity of Daily Living scale.
Time frame: The change between baseline, 3 months (primary time endpoint), 6 months and 12 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.