This study is a longitudinal cohort study which investigates the effect of COVID-19 in ambulatory care. This study aims to assess the effect of COVID-19 beyond the acute phase, i.e. on long-term symptoms, respiratory and cardiovascular health, use of health services, and quality of life.
This study is a longitudinal cohort study comparing two cohorts. One cohort tested positive
for SARS-CoV-2 and the other tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 matched by the timing of testing
in the past 6 months. Participants will be observed for two years after their test for
COVID-19 with online surveys at different time intervals and face-to-face follow-up visits.
Other: Questionnaires
Participants will be followed up by means of online surveys and 2 study visits.
Other: spirometry
During two study visits, the lung function will be measured (FVC, FEV1)
Other: ECG
During two study visits, the presence of arrhythmia will be explored.
Other Name: elecrocardiogram
Other: 1 minute sit to stand test
Physical endurance is tested during 2 study visits.
Other: Vital parameters
blood pressure, pulse, weight
Inclusion Criteria:
Participants eligible for inclusion in this study for the exposed cohort with a diagnosis
of COVID-19 in the last 6 months must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Aged 18 years or older;
2. Positive result on a rapid Ag test or PCR for SARS-CoV-2 for Covid-19 compatible
symptoms a maximum of 6 months before inclusion;
3. Patient is community-dwelling;
4. Participant or their proxy is willing and able to give informed consent for
participation in this study;
5. Participant is willing to comply with all study procedures.
Participants are sampled in the same practices as the exposed cohort and are eligible for
inclusion in this study for the non-exposed without a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the last 6
months when they meet all of the following criteria:
1. Aged 18 years or older;
2. Tested because of suggestive symptoms with a rapid Ag test or PCR for SARS-CoV-2 at
the same time (+/- 1 month) as the exposed cohort, of which the result was negative
3. Patient is community-dwelling;
4. Participant or their proxy is willing and able to give informed consent for
participation in this study;
5. Participant is willing to comply with all study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants eligible for the cohort with COVID-19 in the last 6 months must not meet any
of the following criteria:
1. Patients in palliative care;
2. Patients for whom there is already someone from the same household participating;
3. Judgement of the recruiting clinician deems participant ineligible.
Participants eligible for the cohort without COVID-19 must not meet any of the following
criteria:
1. A positive test for a SARS-CoV-2 infection in the last 2 years;
2. Patients in palliative care;
3. Patients for whom there is already someone from the same household participating;
4. Judgement of the recruiting clinician deems participant ineligible.
Prior vaccination against Covid-19 is not an exclusion criterion.
Julie Domen, MD
016372917
julie.domen@kuleuven.be
Ann Van den Bruel, Prof MD