Neurobiological basis and risk factors of persistent fatigue and concentration problems after COVID-19: study protocol for a prospective case-control study (VeCosCO).
Verveen, Anouk; Verfaillie, Sander C J; Visser, Denise; Csorba, Irene; Coomans, Emma M; Koch, Dook W; Appelman, Brent; Barkhof, Frederik; Boellaard, Ronald; de Bree, Godelieve; van de Giessen, Elsmarieke M; Golla, Sandeep; van Heugten, Caroline M; Horn, Janneke; Hulst, Hanneke E; de Jong, Menno D; Kuut, Tanja A; van der Maaden, Tessa; van Os, Yvonne M G; Prins, Maria; Slooter, Arjen J C; Visser-Meily, Johanna M A; van Vugt, Michele; van den Wijngaard, Cees C; Nieuwkerk, P T; Knoop, H; Tolboom, Nelleke; van Berckel, Bart N M
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Open Access
Type
Article
Language
en
Date
2023-06-30
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Title
Neurobiological basis and risk factors of persistent fatigue and concentration problems after COVID-19: study protocol for a prospective case-control study (VeCosCO).
Translated Title
Published in
BMJ Open 2023;13(6):e072611
Abstract
The risk factors for persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the underlying pathophysiology are largely unknown. Both clinical factors and cognitive-behavioural factors have been suggested to play a role in the perpetuation of complaints. A neurobiological aetiology, such as neuroinflammation, could be the underlying pathophysiological mechanism for persisting complaints.To unravel factors associated with persisting complaints, VeCosCO will compare individuals with and without persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints >3 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The study consists of two work packages. The first work package aims to (1) investigate the relation between persisting complaints and neuropsychological functioning; (2) determine risk factors and at-risk phenotypes for the development of persistent fatigue and cognitive complaints, including the presence of postexertional malaise and (3) describe consequences of persistent complaints on quality of life, healthcare consumption and physical functioning. The second work package aims to (1) determine the presence of neuroinflammation with [18F]DPA-714 whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scans in patients with persisting complaints and (2) explore the relationship between (neuro)inflammation and brain structure and functioning measured with MRI.