Cognitive Function of COVID-19 Survivors Managed with ECMO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients Supported with ECMO: An Analysis of Objective and subjective cognitive outcomes and Familial Perception of Cognitive Impairment
IRAS ID
334470
Contact name
Abeer Alanazi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 21 days
Research summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented influx of patients suffering from severe acute respiratory failure, necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. A significant proportion of these critically ill patients have required Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), an advanced life support technology employed in ICUs to provide oxygenation to individuals in critical respiratory distress. Survivors of such critical illness face the risk of developing longer term issues, including problems with memory and attention, psychological issues like depression or anxiety, and functional problems like becoming more fatigued. Cognitive difficulties (e.g., memory decline and difficulties with sustaining attention) may be particularly debilitating for COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO (participants) as it significantly impacts their quality of life and ability to work or carry out daily activities. Notably, ECMO duration as well as ICU and hospital length of stay are significantly longer in this clinical population.
Despite the growing recognition of the risk of developing longer term issues in critically ill patients, there remains a dearth of research on the cognitive aspects of COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the long-term cognitive outcomes of COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO two to three years following their ICU admission. Cognitive assessments will be offered as part of the clinical care service provided at the Royal Brompton Hospital. The research takes the form of a descriptive study focusing on the cognitive clinical outcomes of COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO as part of their rehabilitation following a critical illness. It will not alter the clinical service provided to patients; instead, it will evaluate and analyse data collected as part of the ongoing clinical care at the Royal Brompton Hospital, ensuring that patient care remains consistent and uninterrupted.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
23/NI/0157
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion