Rationale and design of the SARCoidosis Outcomes in all respiratory Viral Infectious Diseases (SARCOVID) Study

Abstract

IntroductionRespiratory infections are ubiquitous. The COVID-19 pandemic has refocused our attention on how morbid and potentially fatal they can be, and how host factors have an impact on the clinical course and outcomes. Due to a range of vulnerabilities, patients with sarcoidosis may be at higher risk of poor outcomes from respiratory infections. The objective of the SARCoidosis Outcomes in all respiratory Viral Infectious Diseases (SARCOVID) Study is to determine the short-term and long-term impacts of respiratory viral illnesses (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) in sarcoidosis.Methods and analysisUp to 20 clinical sites across the USA are participating in the recruitment of 2000 patients for this observational, prospective study. To ensure that the study cohort is representative of the general population with sarcoidosis, participating sites include those dedicated to reaching under-represented minorities or patients from non-urban areas. Baseline data on demographic features, comorbidities, sarcoidosis characteristics and pre-enrolment lung function will be captured at study entry. During this 3-year study, all acute respiratory infectious events (from SARS-CoV-2 and any other respiratory pathogen) will be assessed and recorded at quarterly intervals. The level of required medical care and survival outcomes determine infection severity, and the impact of infection on quality of life measures will be recorded. Post-infection lung function and imaging results will measure the long-term impact on the trajectory of sarcoidosis. Patients will be analysed according to the clinical phenotypes of cardiac and fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis. Control groups include non-infected patients with sarcoidosis and patients with non-sarcoidosis interstitial lung disease.Ethics and disseminationEach site received local institutional review board approval prior to enrolling patients, with the consent process determined by local institution standards. Data will be published in a timely manner (goal <12 months) at the conclusion of the 3-year follow-up period and will be made available upon request.

Considerations and clinical management of infections in sarcoidosis

“…Due to their ubiquitous, transient, and often (but not always) benign nature, these infections and their associated outcomes have not been systematically measured and analysed among patients with sarcoidosis. However, the SARCOVID study, which captured all respiratory viral events over a 3-year period, recently completed data collection with results expected in the near future [36].…”

Sarcoidosis and frailty: recognizing factors that foster holistic resilience

“…physical well-being (Table 4), covers an organ-based approach outlined in prior publications [3,9 ▪▪ ], which accounts for general and sarcoidosis-related health concerns, for example preventive health, concomitant and intercurrent health conditions, as well as sarcoidosis-related disease, complications and symptom management and drug-induced morbidities [3,6 ▪▪ ,9 ▪▪ ,40 ▪▪ ,41 ▪▪ ].…”

Characteristics of patients with sarcoidosis who referred to a pulmonologist during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…В связи с появлением в литературе описаний отдельных случаев в США начато исследование исходов саркоидоза при всех респираторных вирусных инфекционных заболеваниях (SARCOVID)краткосрочных и долгосрочных последствий респираторных вирусных заболеваний (COVID-19 и не-COVID-19) при саркоидозе. Длительность наблюдение составит три года, периодичность оценки состояния пациентов -раз в три месяца [9].…”