Long-term health consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-based study setting in 3 regions in Germany (COVIDOM+)

Project description

The aim of the COVIDOM+ project, as a follow-up project to COVIDOM, is to ensure the long-term follow-up of study participants. It is planned to systematically track the health consequences of post-COVID disease at the population level. This characterisation will be carried out depending on the different subtypes of the disease. The aim is to investigate whether and how the timing of infection (and thus indirectly the predominant virus variant), vaccination status (including the number and type of vaccinations), the severity of the acute course, or the early course of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) influence the manifestation and severity of post-COVID disease at a later time point. The aim is to investigate the patients' genes and other molecules in the body with regard to disease-promoting properties in order to expand our understanding of the disease and develop new therapeutic approaches.

To ensure precise long-term observation, the study includes multiple follow-up examinations, which will be conducted annually after the initial examination. This will allow changes in the course of PCS to be systematically documented. Comprehensive health data and biological samples such as blood, saliva, and stool will be archived, enabling detailed molecular and clinical analysis of the effects of PCS.

By identifying risk factors for different disease courses and characterising the long-term prognosis of patients, COVIDOM+ will help to further elucidate the overall picture of PCS. The results will provide important insights into long-term health consequences and lay the foundation for the development of specific, personalised therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the aim is to identify characteristics that protect against the various manifestations of the disease.

Description adapted from project website: see link above.