Neurobiological basis and risk factors of persistent fatigue and concentration problems after COVID-19: study protocol for a prospective case-control study (VeCosCO)
Verveen, Anouk; Verfaillie, Sander C J; Visser, Denise; Csorba, Irene; Coomans, Emma M; Koch, Dook W; Appelman, Brent; Barkhof, Frederik; Boellaard, Ronald; de Bree, Godelieve; van de Giessen, Elsmarieke M; Golla, Sandeep; van Heugten, Caroline M; Horn, Janneke; Hulst, Hanneke E; de Jong, Menno D; Kuut, Tanja A; van der Maaden, Tessa; van Os, Yvonne M G; Prins, Maria; Slooter, Arjen J C; Visser-Meily, Johanna M A; van Vugt, Michele; van den Wijngaard, Cees C; Nieuwkerk, P T; Knoop, H; Tolboom, Nelleke; van Berckel, Bart N M
(2023) BMJ Open, volume 13, issue 6
(Article)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The risk factors for persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the underlying pathophysiology are largely unknown. Both clinical factors and cognitive-behavioural factors have been suggested to play a role in the perpetuation of complaints. A neurobiological aetiology, such as neuroinflammation, could be the underlying pathophysiological
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mechanism for persisting complaints.To unravel factors associated with persisting complaints, VeCosCO will compare individuals with and without persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints >3 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The study consists of two work packages. The first work package aims to (1) investigate the relation between persisting complaints and neuropsychological functioning; (2) determine risk factors and at-risk phenotypes for the development of persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints, including the presence of postexertional malaise and (3) describe consequences of persistent complaints on quality of life, healthcare consumption and physical functioning. The second work package aims to (1) determine the presence of neuroinflammation with [ 18F]DPA-714 whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scans in patients with persisting complaints and (2) explore the relationship between (neuro)inflammation and brain structure and functioning measured with MRI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective case-control study in participants with and without persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints, >3 months after laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants will be mainly included from existing COVID-19 cohorts in the Netherlands covering the full spectrum of COVID-19 acute disease severity. Primary outcomes are neuropsychological functioning, postexertional malaise, neuroinflammation measured using [ 18F]DPA-714 PET, and brain functioning and structure using (f)MRI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Work package 1 (NL79575.018.21) and 2 (NL77033.029.21) were approved by the medical ethical review board of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (The Netherlands). Informed consent is required prior to participation in the study. Results of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and shared with the key population.
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Keywords: COVID-19, Fatigue, RADIOLOGY & IMAGING, General Medicine
ISSN: 2044-6055
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
Note: Funding Information: This publication is part of the project ‘VeCosCO: Neurobiologische basis van langdurige cognitieve klachten en vermoeidheid na COVID-19’ with project number 10430302110003 of the research programme COVID-19, financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). HK received additional funding from ‘ReCOVer: A Randomised Controlled Trial testing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for preventing chronic postinfectious fatigue among patients diagnosed with COVID-19’ with project number 10430012010025 of the research programme COVID-19, financed by ZonMw. PTN and AV received additional funding from ‘Long-term mental health trajectories in recovered COVID-19 patients: exploring the interplay of psychosocial and biological factors affecting health-related quality of life’ with project number 10430032010010 of the research programme COVID-19, financed by ZonMw. FB is supported by the NIHR biomedical research centre at UCLH Publisher Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
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