BLOOD MARKERS FOR INVESTIGATING COVID-19 AND SEPSIS IN CHILDREN [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BLOOD MARKERS INCLUDING MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PROFILING FOR IDENTIFYING AND INVESTIGATING SEVERE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE AND SEPSIS IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. pSeP/COVID-ChYP STUDY
IRAS ID
250612
Contact name
Peter Ghazal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Corona Virus Disease or COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. There have been reports of serious COVID-19 illness in children. In addition it has been linked to clusters of children presenting with high fevers and inflammation. Sepsis, also called blood poisoning, is an abnormal response of the body to some infections. We aim to conduct research in children under 18 admitted to intensive care unit and wards using blood samples. Blood samples as small as a quarter of a teaspoon, will be collected only alongside other routine blood tests. By analysing the blood samples, we aim to identify unique signals of information from the child or young person’s genetic code as well as other chemical markers. This is to map the body’s immune and metabolic response to COVID-19 or related illness and compare with other illnesses like sepsis. It will help us better understand COVID-19 illness and its association with the abnormal inflammatory response. The research will not delay emergency treatment for children or young people. Appropriate procedures for consent such as deferred consent will be used in children or young people with serious illness. Young people of 16 and 17 years of age will be assessed for capacity to consent. The study results will not influence the clinical care of patients. The research would not be identifying any other genetic disorders. Even though the data obtained includes some unique genetic information, the research only uses anonymised details from patients and there is no risk to confidentiality.
Remaining blood following analysis will be stored in Biobank for an agreed duration. Specific consent will be obtained from parents or legal guardians, or young people with capacity for analysis and collection of unique genetic data, clinical information, sample storage and use of anonymous but unique genetic data for other research.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0214
Date of REC Opinion
25 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion