Learning from post-COVID-19 condition for epidemic preparedness: a variable catalogue for future post-acute infection syndromes.
Górska, Anna Canziani, Lorenzo Maria Rinaldi, Eugenia Pana, Zoi D Beale, Sarah Bai, Francesca Boxma-de Klerk, Bianca M de Bruijn, Simeon Donà, Daniele Ekkelenkamp, Miquel B
Górska, Anna
Canziani, Lorenzo Maria
Rinaldi, Eugenia
Pana, Zoi D
Beale, Sarah
Bai, Francesca
Boxma-de Klerk, Bianca M
de Bruijn, Simeon
Donà, Daniele
Ekkelenkamp, Miquel B
Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Journal Article
Article
Article
Language
en
Date of publication
2024-12-09
Year of publication
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Title
Learning from post-COVID-19 condition for epidemic preparedness: a variable catalogue for future post-acute infection syndromes.
Translated Title
Published in
Clin Microb Infect 2025;31(3):380-388
Abstract
The emergence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) after SARS-CoV-2 infection underscores the critical need for preparedness in addressing future post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), particularly those linked to epidemic outbreaks. The lack of standardized clinical and epidemiological data during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly hindered timely diagnosis and effective treatment of PCC, highlighting the necessity of pre-emptively standardizing data collection in clinical studies to better define and manage future PAIS. In response, the Cohort Coordination Board, a consortium of European-funded COVID-19 research projects, has reviewed data from PCC studies conducted by its members. This paper leverages the Cohort Coordination Board's expertise to propose a standardized catalogue of variables, informed by the lessons learned during the pandemic, intended for immediate use in the design of future observational studies and clinical trials for emerging infections of epidemic potential.
The early implementation of standardized data collection, facilitated by the PAIS data catalogue, is essential for accelerating the identification and management of PAIS in future epidemics. This approach will enable more precise syndrome definitions, expedite diagnostic processes, and optimize treatment strategies, while also supporting long-term follow-up of affected individuals. The availability of harmonized data collection protocols will enhance preparedness across European and international cohort studies, and trials enabling a prompt and coordinated response, as well as more efficient resource allocation, in the event of emerging infections and associated PAIS.
The early implementation of standardized data collection, facilitated by the PAIS data catalogue, is essential for accelerating the identification and management of PAIS in future epidemics. This approach will enable more precise syndrome definitions, expedite diagnostic processes, and optimize treatment strategies, while also supporting long-term follow-up of affected individuals. The availability of harmonized data collection protocols will enhance preparedness across European and international cohort studies, and trials enabling a prompt and coordinated response, as well as more efficient resource allocation, in the event of emerging infections and associated PAIS.