Chemoreflex sensitivity in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment of chemoreflex control of respiratory and cardiovascular systems in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
IRAS ID
296727
Contact name
Angus Nightingale
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN58994514
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Around 4 million individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the United Kingdom (UK) up to February 2021. Those who have recovered from the acute infection often describe ongoing symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue, and dizziness; so-called ‘long covid’. Increasing evidence points to an ongoing, multi-system disorder involving the brain and the carotid body. The carotid body, a small organ in the carotid arteries, monitors oxygen levels in the blood and keeps tight control over breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. This organ has a high distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the enzyme by which coronavirus enters cells. The carotid body is also sensitive to inflammation, which is triggered by local infection. It is possible this inflammation drives symptoms such as breathlessness, inappropriate increases in heart rate, and dizziness9. We aim to investigate whether the carotid body is hyper-reactive in patients diagnosed with long COVID-19. This will be achieved by recruiting patients from two populations who have been diagnosed with COVID-19: We will compare individuals with a previous positive COVID-19 swab or antibody result, with ongoing symptoms, with a matched COVID-19 positive control population who have not experienced symptoms, or who have had symptoms for less than 2 weeks. Patients will be recruited from outpatient clinics, and from advertising in NHS Trust newsletters and social media. We will assess carotid body control of breathing, heart rate, and the nervous system at rest and during exercise. Potentially, the carotid body could be targeted with treatment to improve long COVID symptoms.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0260
Date of REC Opinion
8 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion