This is a multisite prospective observational study to evaluate the clinical sequelae ofsymptomatic and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)infection in the pediatric population, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) andmultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and characterize the immuneresponse associated with these clinical presentations. Participants aged 21 years andyounger with laboratory confirmed history of symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2infection will visit the study sites for clinical and research evaluations and samplecollection at schedules dependent on time since infection. Participants enrolled within12 weeks after acute infection or positive test will be part of the "recovery group" andwill attend study visits at baseline, every 3 months for the first 6 months, andsubsequently every 6 months for a total of 3 years. Participants enrolled more than 12weeks after acute infection or positive test will be in the "convalescent group" and willattend study visits at baseline and subsequently every 6 months for a total of 3 years.Individuals (aged ≤21 years) without a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection or currentsymptoms suggestive of COVID-19 will serve as a control group and will attend visits forevaluations and sample collection at baseline and every 12 months for a total of 3 years.This protocol will establish a cohort of pediatric patients recovered from SARS CoV-2infection and a biorepository for evaluation of the potential roles of host genetics,immune response, and other possible factors influencing long-term outcomes.Parents or guardians of participants in all cohorts will also be enrolled for limitedparticipation to complete questionnaires about how the family is impacted by theparticipant's health and SARS-CoV-2.
This study will establish a cohort of surviving pediatric patients with symptomatic
(including COVID-19 and MIS-C) and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection to study the
long-term sequelae of acute infection and the evolution of the immune response over time.
Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort will provide important information about clinical
sequelae of acute COVID-19 and MIS-C, characteristics of the immune response to
SARS-CoV-2, genetic factors associated with long-term outcomes, and the extent and
duration of protective immunity.
The study procedures include:
1. Non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) or chest X-ray: All participants will
undergo 2 chest imaging procedures, one at baseline and one at the final study visit
(year 3).
2. Non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): All participants will undergo
2 to 3 non-contrast cardiac MRI procedures during this study.
3. Echocardiogram
4. Electrocardiography (EKG)
5. Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
6. Questionnaires: To complete the questionnaires will take approximately 25 to 64
minutes.
7. Collection of blood (including for optional genetic testing), nasopharyngeal (NP)
swab, urine, and stool.
Genetic testing (optional): This protocol involves genetic testing using whole genome
sequencing (WGS) approaches for all participants.
Clinical photography (optional): Participants may decline photographs or place any
restrictions on their use.
Inclusion Criteria:
Survivors and control cohorts:
In order to be eligible to participate in this study as a survivor or as a control, an
individual must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the
duration of the study.
2. Male or female aged 0 to 21 years (at the NIH CC, minimum age is 3 years).
3. Willing to allow storage of samples and data for future research.
4. At the NIH CC: Has a physician or clinic outside NIH to manage underlying medical
conditions, or agrees to establish care with an outside physician or clinic for any
medical conditions requiring treatment that may be diagnosed as a result of protocol
participation.
In addition, an individual must meet all criteria for one of the following cohorts.
Symptomatic survivor cohort (including MIS-C):
1. Documented prior COVID-19 or MIS-C as evidenced by one of the following:
1. detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen in NP swab, saliva, sputum, or other
sample source with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)/approval from the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and a history of clinical manifestation
compatible with COVID-19*; or
2. positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test using an assay that has received EUA from the
FDA (negative SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen or never tested), and a history of
clinical manifestation compatible with COVID-19*; or
3. meeting CDC case definition for MIS-C (see Appendix 1).
2. Onset of COVID-19/MIS-C symptoms is at least 4 weeks before baseline visit. *one or
more of the following: ageusia, anosmia, chills, confusion, cough, rash, "COVID
toes", diarrhea, dyspnea, fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, nausea/vomiting,
pneumonia, rhinorrhea.
Asymptomatic survivor cohort:
1. Documented prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as evidenced by one of the following:
1. detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen in NP swab, saliva, sputum, or other
sample source with EUA/approval from the FDA without history of clinical
manifestation compatible with COVID-19; or
2. positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test using an assay that has received EUA from the
FDA without history of clinical manifestation compatible with COVID-19*.
2. Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen test is at least 4 weeks before baseline visit.
- one or more of the following: ageusia, anosmia, chills, confusion, cough, rash,
"COVID toes", diarrhea, dyspnea, fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia,
nausea/vomiting, pneumonia, rhinorrhea.
Healthy contact (control) cohort:
1. No diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection or current symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and
meets one of the following criteria:
1. Lived in the same household as a participant with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the
time of illness, or was within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of the participant
for a prolonged period of time, or having direct contact with infectious secretions
of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).
2. Lives in an area affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection
Parents and guardians:
In order to participate in this study as a parent or guardian, an individual must meet
all of the following criteria:
1. Is a parent or guardian of a participant enrolled as a survivor or as a control.
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the
duration of the study.
3. Willing to allow storage of data for future research.
Exclusion Criteria:
Survivors and controls:
An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation
in this study:
1. Any symptoms suggestive of an ongoing infection within 15 days of baseline visit,
including but not limited to fever > 38.2 °C, new or worsening respiratory symptoms
(e.g., cough, dyspnea), or new or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain).
2. Any medical or mental health condition that, in the judgement of the principal
investigator, would make the volunteer unable to participate in the study.
3. Pregnancy.
Parents and guardians:
An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation
in this study:
1. Any medical or mental health condition that, in the judgement of the principal
investigator, would make the volunteer unable to participate in the study.
Co-enrollment: Participants may be co-enrolled in other clinical studies, including
observational studies and therapeutic trials. However, the study staff should be informed
of co-enrollment.
Children's National Hospital
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Bethesda, Maryland, United States