A systematic review of trials currently investigating therapeutic modalities for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and registered on WHO International Clinical Trials Platform
Abstract
Background Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is a well-recognized, complex, systemic disease which is associated with substantial morbidity. There is a paucity of established interventions for the treatment of patients with this syndrome. Objectives To systematically review registered trials currently investigating therapeutic modalities for PACS. Data sources A search was conducted up to the 16 September, 2022, using the COVID-19 section of the WHO Internal Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions Interventional clinical trials of any sample size examining any therapeutic modality targeting persistent symptoms among individuals after diagnosis with COVID-19. Methods Data on trial characteristics and intervention characteristics were collected and summarized. Results After screening 17 125 trials, 388 trials, from 42 countries, were eligible. In total, we had 406 interventions, of which 368 were mono-therapeutic strategies, whereas 38 were intervention combinations. Among 824 primary outcomes identified, there were >300 different outcomes. Rehabilitation was the most employed class of intervention in 169 trials. We encountered 76 trials examining the pharmacological agents of various classes, with the most common agent being colchicine. Complementary and alternative medicine encompassed 64 trials exploring traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathic medications, naturopathic medications, vitamins, dietary…
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