Dual Sympathetic Blocks for Patients Experiencing Sympathetically-Mediated Symptoms From Long COVID (NCT05638620) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1
Dual Sympathetic Blocks for Patients Experiencing Sympathetically-Mediated Symptoms From Long COVID
United States20 participantsStarted 2023-01-03
Plain-language summary
The main purpose of this study is to gather data and assess changes in patient-reported outcomes with the stellate ganglion blocks as treatment for their sympathetically-mediated long COVID symptoms.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 100 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Prior confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by standard RT-PCR assay or equivalent testing
* Persistent symptoms that continue four or more weeks after the start of a COVID-19 infection
* Quantified autonomic symptoms from at least one domain as reported by the patient on the screener Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31). The COMPASS-31 assesses 6 domains of autonomic symptoms: Orthostatic Intolerance, Vasomotor, Secretomotor, Gastrointestinal, Bladder, and Pupillomotor.
* Quantified pain symptoms of pain interference or pain intensity as reported by the patient on the screener Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Under age 18
* Prior SGB
* Allergy to amide local anesthetics (e.g., ropivacaine, bupivacaine/Marcaine)
* Pregnancy
* Current anticoagulant use
* History of a bleeding disorder
* History of glaucoma
* Infection or mass at injection site
* For the consistency of this study, patients who deny all autonomic symptoms on the COMPASS-31 or pain symptoms on the PROMIS-29 will also be excluded
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Patient-Reported Outcomes: PROMIS-29 Score
Timeframe: 1 month
2
Depression
Timeframe: 1 month
3
Anxiety
Timeframe: 1 month
4
Physical function
Timeframe: 1 month
5
Pain interference
Timeframe: 1 month
6
Fatigue
Timeframe: 1 month
7
Sleep disturbance
Timeframe: 1 month
8
Ability to participate in social roles and activities status