The COVID-PCD is a participatory research project that aims to study how COVID-19 affects people with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). The study is advertised through patient support groups and participants register online and answer a baseline questionnaire with details on PCD diagnosis, habitual symptoms, and COVID-19 episodes occurring before study entry. A short weekly follow-up questionnaire includes questions on incident SARS-CoV-2 infections, current symptoms, social contact behaviour, and physical activity. Occasionally, participants receive extra questionnaires focused on special topics. The study is hosted at the University of Bern and recruitment started on May 30th, 2020.
Background: The current pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2
virus is a public health emergency of international concern. The severity of COVID-19 ranges
from asymptomatic to severe. Patients with chronic lung disease such as primary ciliary
dyskinesia (PCD) are thought to be at increased risk, but no data support this. Disease
course and optimal treatment strategies might differ depending on the underlying disease. The
lack of knowledge hampers optimal treatment, and it leads to insecurity and fear among
persons affected by PCD and their family. PCD patient organisations initiated the idea of a
survey that gathers essential knowledge on effects of COVID-19 on people with PCD and makes
it available to patients, physicians, and policy makers in real time.
Aims: To set up an online surveillance system of COVID-19 for people with PCD. For people
with PCD, the study aims to:
1. Describe incidence of COVID-19, symptoms, course of disease, duration of illness,
treatments, and outcomes;
2. Identify risk factors for prognosis for a severe disease course;
3. Assess the experiences of patients, and their wishes and needs such as availability of
preventive measures, medicines, therapies, and official communication and government
policies in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methods: The study population includes all patients with PCD who can be contacted via patient
organisations. Local organisations invite their contacts using social media and mailing
lists. People with PCD can participate via a link on the study website
(www.covid19pcd.ispm.ch), where they can read the study information and give consent. Once
registered, participants receive a link via e-mail to the baseline questionnaire with
questions on prior COVID-19, PCD diagnosis and treatment, and environment and living
conditions. 7 days after completing the baseline questionnaire, and in regular intervals
thereafter, participants receive a link to a short follow-up questionnaire with questions on
COVID-19, current symptoms, and contact behaviour. Throughout the study, occasional
questionnaires are sent out focusing on emerging questions of interest such as official
information and policy issues, availability of treatments, or anxieties and fears. Occasional
questionnaires can also focus on topics relevant for people with PCD that are not related to
COVID-19. In case of hospitalisation, patients or family members are asked to obtain a
hospital report. Results are continuously analysed and summaries are published on the study
website. Specific analyses are possible on request to inform involved persons, physicians,
and policymakers.
This study uses an innovative approach to assess information relevant for risk, disease
course, treatments, and outcomes of COVID-19 directly from persons with a rare lung disease
and make the information available in real time. It will inform and empower patients and be a
resource to relieve anxiety and provide hands-on evidence to physicians and policymakers. It
adds no burden to health care professionals and will provide people with PCD and their
families specialised information, which they can pass on to their physicians.
Current status
By March 2023, 756 people with PCD from 49 countries registered to participate in COVID-PCD.
Results from the study, publications, and plain language summaries are listed on the study
website (https://covid19pcd.ispm.ch/en/publications/)
Inclusion Criteria:
- People of any age with reported suspected or confirmed Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia who
gave consent to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
- People who report not to have suspected or confirmed Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
Investigator: Claudia E Kuehni, Prof.
Contact: +41 (0)31 631 35 07
claudia.kuehni@ispm.unibe.ch
Claudia E Kuehni, Prof.
+41 31 631 35 07
claudia.kuehni@ispm.unibe.ch
Eva SL Pedersen, Dr.
+41 31 631 5975
eva.pedersen@ispm.unibe.ch
Claudia E Kuehni, Prof., Principal Investigator
University of Bern