COVID-RV [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Ventilated Patients with COVID-19
IRAS ID
283569
Contact name
Ben Shelley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
National Waiting Times Centre Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 21 days
Research summary
There has been a worldwide pandemic of a new virus commonly known as, Coronavirus (COVID-19). In the majority of cases symptoms of the virus will get better without any treatment. In a small proportion of cases, the symptoms can be so bad that patients will need hospital admission. Of the group admitted to hospital an even smaller group (approximately 5% of all cases) will need treatment in an intensive care unit. This is often for severe breathing difficulties and sometimes requires the patient to be put on a breathing machine or ‘ventilator’. \n\nIn other conditions causing severe breathing difficulties requiring ventilator treatment, we know that pressure can be put on the right side of the heart (‘the right heart [or right ventricle];’ the part of the heart pumping blood to the lungs). This can cause the right heart to fail, known as right heart dysfunction. We know that patients needing ventilated who develop problems with the right heart are less likely to survive their intensive care stay. \n\nUsing non-invasive ultrasound scans of the heart (echocardiography) we will explore whether ventilated patients in intensive care have problems with their right heart. We will also collect blood samples to look for damage to the heart.\n\nThe aim of this study is to determine how many patients with COVID-19 needing ventilation have problems with the right heart. We will explore if those patients with right heart problems are more likely to die by 30-days following their intensive care admission. By examining clinical data, we will also look to see if any other conditions or treatments increase the risk of right heart problems. By identifying right heart problems in these patients, we may be able to guide future studies to determine if any specific treatments targeted at protecting the right heart can improve outcomes.
REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
20/SS/0059
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion