A Pilot Study of Whole Body Hyperthermia for Long Covid or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
Research suggests that Whole Body Hyperthermia in a sauna-like environment can reduce symptoms related to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or Long Covid. The investigators aim to study the feasibility and treatment effect of this procedure for patients experiencing Long Covid symptoms.
Description
This proposed trial will examine, for the first-time, study whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) as a treatment for PASC. The investigators will enroll 21 people with PASC who will be randomized into two conditions with different temperature WBH. The primary aims will explore acceptability and feasibility, reduction of fatigue (primary symptom), and potential mechanisms (inflammation and sleep). Inflammation and sleep have both been shown to be dysregulated in PASC and addressed by WBH in other populations. The investigators will use week 2 as the primary endpoint. However, patients will be followed…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18-65 years of age 2. English language proficiency 3. Ability to provide informed consent 4. Ability to lie supine (on back) for 2 hours (required for sauna sessions) 5. Must have had clinically suspected COVID-19 and a positive antibody test or a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection (a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test) at least 12 weeks prior to Screening (Note: clinician judgment can override lack of positive COVID test with clear Long Covid onset and presentation) 6. The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Fatigue-Short For…
Interventions
- Devicewhole body hyperthermia
heat will be applied to the participant through a sauna to increase core body temperature
Location
- Depression Clinical and Research ProgramBoston, Massachusetts