This study is currently recruiting participants.
Number
000089-N
Sponsoring Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled Gender: Male & Female Min Age: 18 Years Max Age: 100 Years
Referral Letter Required
No
Population Exclusion(s)
Adults who are or may become unable to consent;Children
Keywords
Post-COVID-19; Convalescence; COVID-19; COVID; PASC; Natural History
Recruitment Keyword(s)
None
Condition(s)
Post-Coronavirus Disease 19
Investigational Drug(s)
Investigational Device(s)
Intervention(s)
Supporting Site
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
People who get COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms. They also recover from COVID-19 in different ways. In this study, researchers will use survey data to describe the different ways people experience and recover from COVID-19. They will also use the data to help create future studies to understand why some people do not fully recover.
Objective:
To learn more about the range and timing of symptoms that people have before, during, and after COVID-19 infection.
Eligibility:
People ages 18 and older who can give documentation of a positive COVID-19 or antibody test.
Design:
Participants will be screened with a telephone interview. It will take 15 minutes. They will provide their COVID-19 test results and medical records.
Participants will complete a second telephone interview. It will take 30 60 minutes. They will also take online surveys every 3 months for 3 years.
The interview and surveys will ask participants about their health before they got COVID-19, what happened while they had COVID-19, and what their recovery has been like.
Participants will get log-in data to take the online surveys. Completing all of the surveys the first time may take up to 3 hours. Follow-up surveys will take up to 30 minutes. Participants do not have to complete the surveys in one sitting. They will be able to save their progress and finish the surveys later.
Participants may be contacted to take part in other research studies.
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: For Phase A Surveying: 1590 persons who are recovering or have recovered from an acute SARS/CoV2 infection will participate. Inclusion criteria for Phase A: Post-COVID-19 Convalescence (n=1190) 1. Participants 18 and older 2. Ability to provide informed consent 3. Stated willingness to complete telephone interviews 4 Reports having begun recovery from an acute SARS/CoV2 infection in the past 5 years a.For participants who don t have a known recovery date, a date of 6 weeks from infection will be imposed 5 Provides documentation of a positive COVID-19 Test. Approved test can include the following: a. PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection. b. A positive home Antigen test is acceptable when documentation of a photograph of the test with a phone-based date and time stamp is provided. c. A positive anti-Spike antibody test is accepted in unvaccinated individuals or those who had antibody testing prior to vaccination. d. A positive anti-nucleocapsid antibody test OR Test-Negative COVID-19 with Persistent Symptoms (n=50) 1. Participants 18 and older 2. Ability to provide informed consent 3. Stated willingness to complete telephone interviews 4. Reports having developed persistent symptoms as a consequence of an acute SARS/CoV2 infection 5. Provides documentation of a clinical diagnosis of an acute SARS/CoV2 infection from a medical practitioner OR meets the Clinical Criteria of the 2020 CDC Interim Case Definition for Probable SARS/CoV2 infection. 6. Has either negative or absent COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved testing for the documented SARS/COV2 infection. 7. Provides documentation of a negative COVID-19 antibody test prior to vaccination. OR COVID-19 vaccine related medical conditions (n=50) 1. Participants 18 and older 2. Ability to provide informed consent 3. Stated willingness to complete telephone interviews 4. Reports having developed persistent symptoms as a consequence of a COVID 19 vaccination 5. Provides documentation of COVID-19 vaccination 6. Provides documentation of a COVID-19 vaccine related medical condition from a medical practitioner OR Participants with a history of multiple SARS-CoV-2 infections (N=100) 1. Participants 18 and older 2. Ability to provide informed consent 3. Stated willingness to complete telephone interviews 4. Reports having more than one SARS-CoV-2 infection 5. Provides documentation of at least one positive COVID-19 Test. Approved test can include the following: e. PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection. f. A positive home Antigen test is acceptable when documentation of a photograph of the test with a phone-based date and time stamp is provided. g. A positive anti-Spike antibody test is accepted in unvaccinated individuals or those who had antibody testing prior to vaccination. h. A positive anti-nucleocapsid antibody test The elements of the 2020 CDC Interim Case Definition for Probable COVID-19 used for this protocol will be the Clinical Criteria: Clinical Criteria: At least two of the following symptoms: fever (measured or subjective), chills, rigors, myalgia, headache, sore throat, new olfactory and taste disorder(s) OR At least one of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing OR Severe respiratory illness with at least one of the following: -Clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, OR -Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). AND No alternative more likely diagnosis For Phase B Evaluation: 240 persons who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last five years will participate. The accrual ceiling is 120 PASC and 120 healthy volunteers, with a goal to identify 80 PASC participants and 80 post-COVID fully recovered healthy volunteers who may be eligible for Phase C. Time since infection (i.e. within first six months, six months to one year, one year to two years, and two years to five years) will also be considered, with a goal of recruiting at least 20 PASC participants and 20 post- COVID fully recovered participants within each of these four time frames. Inclusion Criteria for all Phase B participants: 1. Adult participants aged 18 years and older 2. Self-reported completion of at least the 7th grade of school. 3. Fluency in English. 4. Willing and able to complete all study procedures 5. Participant has a primary care provider at the time of enrollment. 6. Able to provide informed consent 7. Participants must be at least six weeks out since the onset of COVID-19 symptoms with no fever for at least one week. 8. Participants must be within five years since starting to recover from acute COVID- 19 symptoms. The date of the start of recovery can be determined by: - The date that fever broke for the first time - The date the participant recalls starting to improve - If a participant is unable to report a reliable date, a date of six weeks from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms may be imputed. 9. Does not have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The protocol will conform with NIH CC standards for documenting a participant does not have active SARS-CoV- 2 infection. This may include screening interviews and/or testing. Additional Inclusion Criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 with severe PASC symptoms: 1. Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well- health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel. 2. A self-reported illness narrative of the development of persistent PASC symptoms after recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, orthostatic intolerance, unrefreshing sleep, neuropathic pain, mood change, and post-exertional malaise. 3. Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test. 4. Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale of 2 - 6: - 2: Ambulatory; symptomatic, independent - 3: Ambulatory; symptomatic, assistance needed - 4: Hospitalized; no oxygen therapy - 5: Hospitalized; oxygen by mask or nasal prongs - 6: Hospitalized; oxygen by non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen 5. Functional Criteria: Substantial symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of <=70 physical function subscale, or <=50 on role physical subscale, or <=75 on social function subscale. OR Additional Inclusion Criteria for Mild or Moderate Illness COVID-19 without PASC symptoms: 1. Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well- health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel. 2. A self-reported illness narrative of recovery to prior health after a SARS/CoV2 infection. 3. Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test. 4. Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale of 2 - 6: - 2: Ambulatory; symptomatic, independent - 3: Ambulatory; symptomatic, assistance needed - 4: Hospitalized; no oxygen therapy - 5: Hospitalized; oxygen by mask or nasal prongs - 6: Hospitalized; oxygen by non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen Functional Criteria: No substantial symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of >=85 physical function subscale, and >= 85 on role physical subscale, and >= 85 on social function subscale. OR Additional Inclusion Criteria for Mild or Moderate Illness COVID-19 with mild to moderate PASC symptoms: 1. Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well-health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel. 2. Either a self-reported illness narrative of near recovery to prior health or a narrative of the development of persistent PASC symptoms after recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, orthostatic intolerance, unrefreshing sleep, neuropathic pain, mood change, and post-exertional malaise. 3. Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive Anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test. 4. Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale[61] of 2 - 6: - 2: Ambulatory; symptomatic, independent - 3: Ambulatory; symptomatic, assistance needed - 4: Hospitalized; no oxygen therapy - 5: Hospitalized; oxygen by mask or nasal prongs - 6: Hospitalized; oxygen by non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen 5. Functional Criteria: Mild to moderate symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of between 71 and 84 on the physical function subscale, or between 51 and 84 on role physical subscale, or between 76 and 84 on social function subscale. For Phase C Deep Phenotyping: Inclusion Criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 with PASC symptoms: 1. Met inclusion and exclusion criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 with severe post-acute COVID-19 symptoms after completing Phase B. 2. No alternative explanation for PASC symptoms identified by adjudication committee during Phase B. 3. Fluency in English OR Inclusion Criteria for Mild or Moderate Illness COVID-19 without PASC symptoms: 1. Met inclusion and exclusion criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 without post-acute COVID-19 symptoms after completing Phase B. 2. Fluency in English EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Exclusion criteria for Phase A: 1. Not willing to provide personal identifying information to investigative team 2. Cognitive impairment that is severe enough to limit consent capacity Exclusion criteria for Phase B Evaluation: Information collected from Phase A interviews, review of medical records, and discussions with consented Phase A participants will be used to determine if a participant will be excluded from participation. 1. Current or past psychotic disorder including depression with psychosis, bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia 2. Major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder unless managed for more than six months with a stable treatment regimen 3. Current or past substance use disorder within last five years. Marijuana use within the past five years will not be an exclusion. 4. Positive urine toxicology screening for anything other than marijuana 5. Current suicidal ideation 6. History of head injury leading to moderate or severe traumatic brain injury. Persons having a history of mild TBI (mTBI) will not be excluded. 7. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are within one-year post-partum. 8. Current or previous malignancy. A history of malignancy that has fully resolved with surgical resection only (e.g. no chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy) will be allowed. 9. Current systemic immunologic disorders (e.g. Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis). Local immunological disorder (e.g. atopic dermatitis, stable autoimmune thyroid disease) and allergic disorders will be allowed. 10. Current or previous long-term immune suppressive therapy. Recent or current steroid use for the treatment of COVID-19, PASC, recent allergic reactions, and topical steroid use is allowed. 11. Any premorbid medical condition that would potentially cause fatigue and exercise intolerance that would exclude from participation in Phase C. This includes many chronic medical diseases, such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe arthritis, uncontrolled asthma, renal failure, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS. 12. Active participation in a clinical protocol (e.g. anti-inflammatory drug intervention study) which includes an intervention that may affect the results of the current study. 13. Not willing to allow for research data and samples to be shared broadly with other researchers. 14. Employees at NIH that are under the direct supervision of the study investigators (family members of NIH employees are permitted to participate). 15. Symptom severity that makes it impossible for the volunteer to travel to NIH. Exclusion criteria for Phase C Deep Phenotyping: Exclusion criteria for all Phase C participants: 1. Current or past psychotic disorder including depression with psychosis, bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia 2. Current DSM-5-defined major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder unless managed for more than six months with a stable treatment regimen 3. Current or past substance use disorder within last five years as diagnosed on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Marijuana use will not be an exclusion. 4. Positive toxicology screen for anything other than marijuana 5. Current suicidal ideation 6. History of head injury leading to moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, as detailed by loss of consciousness for greater than 30 minutes, a Glasgow Coma Score of 12 or less at the time of injury, post-traumatic amnesia greater than one day, or brain-scan changes related to a head injury. Persons having a history of mild TBI (mTBI) will not be excluded. 7. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are within one-year post-partum. 8. Current or previous malignancy. A history of malignancy that has fully resolved with surgical resection only (e.g. no chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy) will be allowed. 9. Current systemic immunologic disorders (e.g. Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis). Local immunological disorder (e.g. atopic dermatitis, stable autoimmune thyroid disease) and allergic disorders will be allowed. 10. Current or previous long-term immune suppressive therapy. Systemic steroid use, even short-term, must not have been used within the month prior to enrollment 11. Any premorbid medical condition that would potentially cause fatigue and exercise intolerance or increases the risks of participation in Phase C. This includes many chronic medical diseases, such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe arthritis, uncontrolled asthma, renal failure, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS. 12. Active participation in a clinical protocol (e.g. anti-inflammatory drug intervention study) which includes an intervention that may affect the results of the current study. 13. Inability to perform the bicycling exercise task. (e.g. coronary artery disease, not having a lower limb, disabling stroke) 14. Not willing to allow for research data and samples to be shared broadly with other researchers. 15. Employees at NIH that are under the direct supervision of the study investigators. 16. Symptom severity that makes it impossible for the volunteer to travel to NIH for an extended inpatient evaluation 17. Use of medications with a high-risk for withdrawal-related complications (i.e. long-acting opiates or benzodiazepines). Additional Exclusion criteria for participants undergoing TMS: 1. Pacemaker, implanted pump, stimulator, cochlear implant or metal objects inside the eye or skull. Participants with unconfirmed metal may have further evaluation to rule out metal in the eye or skull. Participants without metal after evaluation may proceed to TMS. 2. A personal history of seizure disorder Additional Exclusion criteria for participants undergoing MRI: 1. Metal in the body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe, such as pacemakers, stimulators, pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, artificial heart valves, cochlear implants or shrapnel fragments, or having a history of being a welder or metal worker, since small metal fragments may be in the eye. Participants with unconfirmed metal may have further evaluation to rule out metal in the eye or skull. Participants without metal after evaluation may proceed to MRI. 2. Substantial claustrophobia 3. Inability to lie on back for up to 2 hours
For Phase A Surveying:
1590 persons who are recovering or have recovered from an acute SARS/CoV2 infection will participate.
Inclusion criteria for Phase A:
Post-COVID-19 Convalescence (n=1190)
1. Participants 18 and older
2. Ability to provide informed consent
3. Stated willingness to complete telephone interviews
4 Reports having begun recovery from an acute SARS/CoV2 infection in the past 5 years
a.For participants who don t have a known recovery date, a date of 6 weeks from infection will be imposed
5 Provides documentation of a positive COVID-19 Test. Approved test can include the following:
a. PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection.
b. A positive home Antigen test is acceptable when documentation of a photograph of the test with a phone-based date and time stamp is provided.
c. A positive anti-Spike antibody test is accepted in unvaccinated individuals or those who had antibody testing prior to vaccination.
d. A positive anti-nucleocapsid antibody test
OR
Test-Negative COVID-19 with Persistent Symptoms (n=50)
4. Reports having developed persistent symptoms as a consequence of an acute SARS/CoV2 infection
5. Provides documentation of a clinical diagnosis of an acute SARS/CoV2 infection from a medical practitioner OR meets the Clinical Criteria of the 2020 CDC Interim Case Definition for Probable SARS/CoV2 infection.
6. Has either negative or absent COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved testing for the documented SARS/COV2 infection.
7. Provides documentation of a negative COVID-19 antibody test prior to vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccine related medical conditions (n=50)
4. Reports having developed persistent symptoms as a consequence of a COVID 19 vaccination
5. Provides documentation of COVID-19 vaccination
6. Provides documentation of a COVID-19 vaccine related medical condition from a medical practitioner
Participants with a history of multiple SARS-CoV-2 infections (N=100)
4. Reports having more than one SARS-CoV-2 infection
5. Provides documentation of at least one positive COVID-19 Test. Approved test can include the following:
e. PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection.
f. A positive home Antigen test is acceptable when documentation of a photograph of the test with a phone-based date and time stamp is provided.
g. A positive anti-Spike antibody test is accepted in unvaccinated individuals or those who had antibody testing prior to vaccination.
h. A positive anti-nucleocapsid antibody test
The elements of the 2020 CDC Interim Case Definition for Probable COVID-19 used for this protocol will be the Clinical Criteria:
Clinical Criteria:
At least two of the following symptoms: fever (measured or subjective), chills, rigors, myalgia, headache, sore throat, new olfactory and taste disorder(s)
At least one of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Severe respiratory illness with at least one of the following:
-Clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, OR
-Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
AND
No alternative more likely diagnosis
For Phase B Evaluation:
240 persons who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last five years will participate. The accrual ceiling is 120 PASC and 120 healthy volunteers, with a goal to identify 80 PASC participants and 80 post-COVID fully recovered healthy volunteers who may be eligible for Phase C. Time since infection (i.e. within first six months, six months to one year, one year to two years, and two years to five years) will also be considered, with a goal of recruiting at least 20 PASC participants and 20 post- COVID fully recovered participants within each of these four time frames.
Inclusion Criteria for all Phase B participants:
1. Adult participants aged 18 years and older
2. Self-reported completion of at least the 7th grade of school.
3. Fluency in English.
4. Willing and able to complete all study procedures
5. Participant has a primary care provider at the time of enrollment.
6. Able to provide informed consent
7. Participants must be at least six weeks out since the onset of COVID-19 symptoms with no fever for at least one week.
8. Participants must be within five years since starting to recover from acute COVID- 19 symptoms. The date of the start of recovery can be determined by:
- The date that fever broke for the first time
- The date the participant recalls starting to improve
- If a participant is unable to report a reliable date, a date of six weeks from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms may be imputed.
9. Does not have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The protocol will conform with NIH CC standards for documenting a participant does not have active SARS-CoV- 2 infection. This may include screening interviews and/or testing.
Additional Inclusion Criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 with severe PASC symptoms:
1. Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well- health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel.
2. A self-reported illness narrative of the development of persistent PASC symptoms after recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, orthostatic intolerance, unrefreshing sleep, neuropathic pain, mood change, and post-exertional malaise.
3. Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test.
4. Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale of 2 - 6:
- 2: Ambulatory; symptomatic, independent
- 3: Ambulatory; symptomatic, assistance needed
- 4: Hospitalized; no oxygen therapy
- 5: Hospitalized; oxygen by mask or nasal prongs
- 6: Hospitalized; oxygen by non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen
5. Functional Criteria: Substantial symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of <=70 physical function subscale, or <=50 on role physical subscale, or <=75 on social function subscale.
Additional Inclusion Criteria for Mild or Moderate Illness COVID-19 without PASC symptoms:
2. A self-reported illness narrative of recovery to prior health after a SARS/CoV2 infection.
Functional Criteria: No substantial symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of >=85 physical function subscale, and >= 85 on role physical subscale, and >= 85 on social function subscale.
Additional Inclusion Criteria for Mild or Moderate Illness COVID-19 with mild to moderate PASC symptoms:
1. Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well-health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel.
2. Either a self-reported illness narrative of near recovery to prior health or a narrative of the development of persistent PASC symptoms after recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, orthostatic intolerance, unrefreshing sleep, neuropathic pain, mood change, and post-exertional malaise.
3. Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive Anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test.
4. Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale[61] of 2 - 6:
5. Functional Criteria: Mild to moderate symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of between 71 and 84 on the physical function subscale, or between 51 and 84 on role physical subscale, or between 76 and 84 on social function subscale.
For Phase C Deep Phenotyping:
Inclusion Criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 with PASC symptoms:
1. Met inclusion and exclusion criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 with severe post-acute COVID-19 symptoms after completing Phase B.
2. No alternative explanation for PASC symptoms identified by adjudication committee during Phase B.
3. Fluency in English
Inclusion Criteria for Mild or Moderate Illness COVID-19 without PASC symptoms:
1. Met inclusion and exclusion criteria for Mild to Moderate Illness COVID-19 without post-acute COVID-19 symptoms after completing Phase B.
2. Fluency in English
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Exclusion criteria for Phase A:
1. Not willing to provide personal identifying information to investigative team
2. Cognitive impairment that is severe enough to limit consent capacity
Exclusion criteria for Phase B Evaluation:
Information collected from Phase A interviews, review of medical records, and discussions with consented Phase A participants will be used to determine if a participant will be excluded from participation.
1. Current or past psychotic disorder including depression with psychosis, bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia
2. Major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder unless managed for more than six months with a stable treatment regimen
3. Current or past substance use disorder within last five years. Marijuana use within the past five years will not be an exclusion.
4. Positive urine toxicology screening for anything other than marijuana
5. Current suicidal ideation
6. History of head injury leading to moderate or severe traumatic brain injury. Persons having a history of mild TBI (mTBI) will not be excluded.
7. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are within one-year post-partum.
8. Current or previous malignancy. A history of malignancy that has fully resolved with surgical resection only (e.g. no chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy) will be allowed.
9. Current systemic immunologic disorders (e.g. Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis). Local immunological disorder (e.g. atopic dermatitis, stable autoimmune thyroid disease) and allergic disorders will be allowed.
10. Current or previous long-term immune suppressive therapy. Recent or current steroid use for the treatment of COVID-19, PASC, recent allergic reactions, and topical steroid use is allowed.
11. Any premorbid medical condition that would potentially cause fatigue and exercise intolerance that would exclude from participation in Phase C. This includes many chronic medical diseases, such
as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe arthritis, uncontrolled asthma, renal failure, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS.
12. Active participation in a clinical protocol (e.g. anti-inflammatory drug intervention study) which includes an intervention that may affect the results of the current study.
13. Not willing to allow for research data and samples to be shared broadly with other researchers.
14. Employees at NIH that are under the direct supervision of the study investigators (family members of NIH employees are permitted to participate).
15. Symptom severity that makes it impossible for the volunteer to travel to NIH.
Exclusion criteria for Phase C Deep Phenotyping:
Exclusion criteria for all Phase C participants:
2. Current DSM-5-defined major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder unless managed for more than six months with a stable treatment regimen
3. Current or past substance use disorder within last five years as diagnosed on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Marijuana use will not be an exclusion.
4. Positive toxicology screen for anything other than marijuana
6. History of head injury leading to moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, as detailed by loss of consciousness for greater than 30 minutes, a Glasgow Coma Score of 12 or less at the time of injury, post-traumatic amnesia greater than one day, or brain-scan changes related to a head injury. Persons having a history of mild TBI (mTBI) will not be excluded.
10. Current or previous long-term immune suppressive therapy. Systemic steroid use, even short-term, must not have been used within the month prior to enrollment
11. Any premorbid medical condition that would potentially cause fatigue and exercise intolerance or increases the risks of participation in Phase C. This includes many chronic medical diseases, such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe arthritis, uncontrolled asthma, renal failure, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS.
13. Inability to perform the bicycling exercise task. (e.g. coronary artery disease, not having a lower limb, disabling stroke)
14. Not willing to allow for research data and samples to be shared broadly with other researchers.
15. Employees at NIH that are under the direct supervision of the study investigators.
16. Symptom severity that makes it impossible for the volunteer to travel to NIH for an extended inpatient evaluation
17. Use of medications with a high-risk for withdrawal-related complications (i.e. long-acting opiates or benzodiazepines).
Additional Exclusion criteria for participants undergoing TMS:
1. Pacemaker, implanted pump, stimulator, cochlear implant or metal objects inside the eye or skull. Participants with unconfirmed metal may have further evaluation to rule out metal in the eye or skull. Participants without metal after evaluation may proceed to TMS.
2. A personal history of seizure disorder
Additional Exclusion criteria for participants undergoing MRI:
1. Metal in the body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe, such as pacemakers, stimulators, pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, artificial heart valves, cochlear implants or shrapnel fragments, or having a history of being a welder or metal worker, since small metal fragments may be in the eye. Participants with unconfirmed metal may have further evaluation to rule out metal in the eye or skull. Participants without metal after evaluation may proceed to MRI.
2. Substantial claustrophobia
3. Inability to lie on back for up to 2 hours
Principal Investigator
Referral Contact
For more information: