Department / Institute: Institute for Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies

Objective: Identification of deregulated non-coding ribonucleic acids in cardiac SARS-CoV-2 infected patients for Diagnostics and prognostic prediction of disease progression.

Our hypothesis is, that ncRNAs play an essential regulatory role in an excessive immune response and subsequent fibrotic remodelling, both pulmonary and cardiovascular. Our aim is to identify and validate deregulated ncRNAs in the blood of SARSCoV-2 infected individuals. We will study control subjects as well as patients with and without previous cardiac diseases and evaluate the expression patterns of severe and mild courses. This will enable us to make specific statements about the course of the disease and the prognosis of the infected persons. For this purpose, the initially deregulated ncRNA candidates will be validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and correlated with specific patient data.

Department / Institute: Department of Pneumology, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Transplant Immunology

The IRMI-19 study evaluates patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and Covid-19 disease, now considered to be recovered but still suffer from long-term effects. The aim is to investigate correlations between changes in the immune system and individual clinical COVID-19 courses that continue to cause symptoms even after the acute infection. The aim of the project is to obtain a more precise picture of the disease course and to better characterize the long-term consequences in order to develop therapeutic interventions, e.g. with drugs supporting immune regulation, and alleviate symptoms. Patients are included who want to participate in a pulmonary function diagnosis and a fitness test, i.e. a 6-minute walk test, give a blood sample for the definition of their immune profile and answer a questionnaire. We expect clinically relevant information on the pathophysiology of the long-term effects through medical consultation, an individualized outpatient rehabilitation program if necessary and further diagnostics if recommended in case of abnormal findings.

Department / Institute: Respiratory Medicine

Prospective clinical trial to evaluate the clinical limitations of post-COVID-Patients with fatigue-symptomatic and the correlation to specific immunological alterations. All suitable patients seen in the covid outpatient clinic with an estimated number of 100 patients will be included. The first appointment should be 6-8 weeks after initial symptoms/infection if fatigue is still present. Fatigue will be quantified by specific questionnaire (Fatigue Assessment Scale, FAS). In addition a testing of lung function and endurance (6-MWT) will be performed, as well a blood testing (FACS, ELISA, Neurodisorder assay) to quantify immunologic modifications. Follow up visits will be at 3, 6, 9 (and 12) months. Further medical tests will be recommended or conducted as far as necessary and possible (e.g. echocardiography).

Department / Institute: Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

The Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning durring Infection Times (COH-FIT) is the worldwide greatest survey to examine consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on a population level. More than 200 scientists from more than 140 countries are collaborating in the project, being supported by several national and international associations. COH-FIT aims at identifying modifiable and non-modifiable risk and resilience factors, to establish targeted prevention and intervention programs for the whole population and for groups at risk. COH-FIT data are important to lead policy makers during times of infection and other crises.
The questionnaire (https://www.coh-fit.com/) assesses information to the following areas: demography, socio-economic welfare, well-being, physical and mental health, level of functioning, emotional (psychological and behavioral) factors, adherece, telemedicine, medical demands, and personal opinions concerning strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department / Institute: MHH Sports Medicine

After COVID-19 patients report about persistent impairment with a variety of symptoms including fatigue and quality of life. This is challenging the rehabilitation system and new strategies have to be developed. Patients after hospitalized or non-hospitalized COVID-19, who suffer from prolonged fatigue, can participate in the Post-COVID Study. All patients receive an examination at the beginning and are randomized in an intervention- and a waiting-control-group. After randomization patients in the intervention-group will participate in a homebased 3 month rehabilitation program using telemedicine support. Since COVID-19 can affect different organs resulting in a variety of symptoms, the intervention will be individualized especially regarding daily activity / training, nutrition and healthy behavior. After 3 month all participants will be examined again and participants from the waiting-control-group switch to the intervention. Final examinations will be offered after 6 month to all participants.

Department / Institute: Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology

Within the already established infrastructure of the pedCAPNETZ study on community-acquired pneumonia in children, a multicenter, prospective cohort on COVID-19 diseases in childhood and adolescence will be conducted in this separate study arm. The systematic recording and detailed characterization of the course of disease as well as the care and therapy management of pediatric patients with COVID-19 disease of any severity will be performed. Detailed clinical information will be collected longitudinally over 2 years. The acquisition of an extensive biomaterial data set will contribute to the identification of risk and prognostic markers as well as immunological phenotyping.