POSTCODE v 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
POST COvid-19 interstitial lung DiseasE (POSTCODE) A study of genetic and environmental interactions: an observational cohort study.
IRAS ID
297495
Contact name
Philip Molyneaux
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to over 100 million cases worldwide. In the UK alone there have been over 4 million cases, over 400 thousand hospital admissions and over 100 thousand deaths. A large number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 suffer from long term symptoms, predominantly breathlessness and fatigue whether or not they were admitted to hospital. However, long-term symptoms following COVID-19 are more common in people who suffered more severe acute disease. There are a number of causes of long-term breathlessness following COVID-19 including thromboembolic disease, myo- or pericarditis, physical deconditioning but one of the most common, and potentially concerning with regards to long term prognosis is Interstitial Lung Disease.
The fibrogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2 is currently unknown but is predicted to be substantial based on the experience of previous coronavirus outbreaks and emerging data from this pandemic. In a Canadian cohort, 12 weeks after hospitalisation for severe COVID-19, 58% of patients had shortness of breath and half of the patients had abnormalities on CT consistent with scarring.
We do not yet understand how scarring occurs following SARS-CoV-2, nor why there is resolution in some individuals and persistent or progressive disease in others. We therefore plan to undertake bronchoscopy (camera test into the lungs) to examine for changes in the way the cells lining the lung behave, using genetics, and differences in the bacteria living in the airways in patients whom have developed scarring following COVID-19. We are doing this as in other forms of scarring lung disease the bacteria in the lungs can play a role in the progression of disease and the genetic profiles of the cells can give clues to why the scarring has developed. Our hope is that this information will allow us to help determine the optimal treatment for patients whom develop this in the future.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0180
Date of REC Opinion
19 May 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion