As COVID-19 cases begin to rise again, NorthShore-Edward Elmhurst Health has been named as one of four sites to host a research program into the impacts and potential treatments for long COVID-19 infections.
The National Institutes for Health is sponsoring the health care system as one of four primary sites during the second phase of trials in the RECOVER program, according to a news release. The program plans to look in to potential treatments for long COVID, a condition defined by the Centers for Disease Control as ongoing signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after initial COVID-19 infection.
The symptoms of long COVID include a wide range of ailments from fatigue and difficulty breathing to brain fog and changes in taste or smell.
“We know that when patients are suffering, we can never move fast enough,” Acting NIH Director Lawrence A. Tabak said in the news release.
The ongoing phase of the program involves over 24,000 participants across multiple large observational studies that are examining and following patients through long COVID in hopes to learn why some continue to exhibit symptoms while others recover.
Chief Clinical Officer for NorthShore-Edward Elmhurst Health Lakshmi Halasyamani said in the news release the health system is committed to provide hope and healing to the community through the program.
“We recognize the significant impact long COVID has on individuals and families,” Halasyamani said.
Nirav S. Shah, director of infectious disease research for NorthShore University Health System is serving as the primary investigator at the NS-EEH site. Participants are wanted for three trials in the program focusing on treatments targeting the persistence of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, along with interventions for cognitive dysfunction and changes in sleep patterns linked to long COVID.
Pre-screening for the trials has begun. Those interested in participating can reach out via email at IDResearch@northshore.org or call 224-364-7971.