Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection: An interdisciplinary observational and interventional study program

COVID-19 has been associated with adverse long-term health effects. Acute lung injury can be followed by chronically reduced lung function. COVID-19 may also be associated with an increased risk of chronic damage to the cardiovascular system. Persistent heavy breathing can be a symptom of both heart and lung damage. Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can also directly or indirectly lead to damage to the central nervous system. The studies that have provided evidence that COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of chronic lung, heart or brain damage have largely been based on patients who have been admitted to hospital. Most of these study patients have lacked detailed information about their state of health before they were affected by COVID-19. This makes it difficult to know whether it is COVID-19 or another illness that the patients had before COVID-19 that contributes most to the disease observations that are made. Health information about patients with COVID-19 from the general population who have not been hospitalized is limited. In order to more reliably determine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the heart, lungs and central nervous system, we will study not only patients who have been hospitalized, but also people in the general population who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and who have previously have been examined with extensive tests of lung, heart and brain function. Given that COVID-19 is a new disease, there are limited data on how long-term effects can best be treated. We will therefore test the effect of possible forms of treatment that have different attack points.