Clinical Research Directory

Influenza Vaccination, ACEI and ARB in the Evolution of SARS-CoV2 Infection

Some authors have proposed the use of the flu vaccine to reduce the severity of COVID-19 cases, while some have proposed the use of ACE Inhibitors (ACEI) or Angiotensin Receptor blockers (ARB), since this virus shares hemagglutinin as a transmission mechanism and acts on the ACE2 enzyme during infection. Other authors described how none of the elderly patients receiving antihistamines and azythromycin in two nursing homes in Toledo -Spain- during the first wave died or needed hospital admission, even considering that 100% of residents had a positive serological test after that wave. Other authors have described a positive evolution in patients receiving amantadine for their Parkinson's disease. The aim is to evaluate whether the admitted patients who are previously vaccinated or those who were already receiving these treatments showed a better evolution.

The Optimising Isolation, Quarantine and Distancing Study for COVID-19

The Australian government swift interventions and actions early to the COVID 19 epidemic included enforced quarantine, isolation, varying degrees of social and physical distancing measures, travel restrictions, community level testing and enhanced contact tracing models which effected the trajectory of the epidemic impact. While the search for effective therapeutics and vaccines continues, it is important to understand how to effectively implement and optimise the current public health interventions available; application of traditional contact tracing , contributions of new contact tracing mobile phone applications, community level testing and use of specific fit for purpose diagnostic tests; to screen, detect and provide evidence of infection clearance. While the suppression measures have been effective on disease transmission rates, it has had economic, social and non COVID-19 health costs impacts. As community restrictions change it will be important to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these key interventions. This is a longitudinal study that will follow the experience and behaviors of 2 key risk populations impacted by COVID-19 transmission containment measures.

Convalescent Plasma Collection and Treatment in Pediatrics and Adults

This is a prospective study, involving contacting potential plasma donors and the use of their plasma to help fight off infections of those suffering from COVID19 in accordance to collection guidelines for plasma and FDA IND requirement. This study will include up to 240 participants potentially receiving convalescent plasma and up to 1000 potential donors. There are 3 basic arms to the study: mild, moderate and severe/critical severity. All 3 severity groups are eligible for enrollment, but mild severity will not be given plasma unless there is progression. Moderate severity will given up to 1 unit of plasma and severe/critical severity up to 2 units. There is no placebo group, however given the excepted issues of shortages of plasma, intention to treat will be used for analysis.