Effects of Prolonged Proning on Ocular Morbidity in COVID-19 (EPPOC) [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of Prolonged Proning on Ocular Morbidity in COVID-19 Pneumonitis Patients Requiring Invasive Respiratory Support (EPPOC)
IRAS ID
285750
Contact name
Michael Briggs
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 6 days
Research summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the coronavirus pandemic, it has been noted that proning (the process of making patients lie on their front) can improve respiratory function in patients who require hospital admission and artificial ventilation - thus improving their chances of survival.\nPrevious studies have shown an association between eye problems and proning in the setting of spinal surgery, but with shorter durations of proning. The notable features include raised eye pressure and damage to the retina, optic nerve or brain due to obstructed blood flow - all of which may lead to blindness.\nThere is limited research investigating the effect of longer durations of proning, as seen in COVID-19, on eye health.\nFurthermore, there are reports that COVID-19 increases the likelihood of blood clots in the body and this might cause problems with eye health. The research question is to explore ocular morbidity in association with proning in COVID-19 pneumonitis.\nSo far, there is no published research investigating long term eye problems with COVID-19 disease.\nThe study will be conducted at the Clinical Eye Research Centre at the Royal Liverpool Site of the Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust. There will be 2 groups of participants- one being patients in intensive care that required invasive ventilation with or without proning; and the other being patients that required hospital admission, but not invasive ventilation or proning. The two groups will be age and sex matched. The participants will be examined at 3-4 months following hospital discharge. The study will entail a single visit to the Ophthalmology department and will include a thorough ophthalmic examination, including a visual field test, ocular motility assessment and retinal photographs.\n
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/HRA/3474
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion