RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

CORONA in the Saarland

The CORSAAR study is based in Saarland, Germany, and aims to understand more about COVID-19. It's an 'observational' study, meaning researchers watch how the illness progresses naturally, without giving new treatments or medicines. They are including people with all types of COVID-19, from initial infection through to recovery, and also those experiencing 'long COVID'. Scientists will collect information about people's health, measure certain body chemicals (cytokines), and gather other details at the beginning, during any hospital stay, and after they go home. This helps them build a detailed picture of the illness, which could lead to better ways to manage it in the future. Anyone, from babies to elderly people, can potentially take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Universität des Saarlandes

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Mar 2020

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Covid19

What is this study about?

The CORSAAR study, which stands for CORONA in the Saarland, is an important research project designed to help us better understand COVID-19. Instead of testing new medicines, it's an 'observational' study. This means researchers are carefully watching and recording how the illness affects people naturally, from the very first signs to how they recover, and also how it impacts those who develop 'long COVID'.

Researchers will collect various pieces of health information. This includes details about your medical history, some measurements they take, and looking at specific markers in your blood, like 'cytokines', which are chemicals involved in inflammation. They gather this information at several points: when your illness first starts, if you need to go to hospital, and after you've been discharged home. This detailed information helps scientists connect the dots and learn more about how COVID-19 affects the body over time.

By following many different people with COVID-19, including those who have long-lasting symptoms, the study aims to create a fuller picture of the disease. This knowledge is vital because it can help doctors and researchers develop better ways to diagnose, treat, and support people affected by COVID-19 in the future.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand COVID-19 better, including long COVID.
It's an 'observational' study – no new treatments given.
Information collected at different stages of the illness.
Open to anyone with COVID-19, of any age.
Your participation helps improve future care for others.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you have any form of COVID-19, including 'long COVID'. There are no special requirements for your age – people from newborn babies right up to 110 years old can be included.

This study is open to both men and women. There are no listed reasons that would automatically stop you from taking part, meaning it’s a very open study.

If you're interested, the best step is to talk to your doctor or the study team, as they can confirm if it's the right study for you based on your personal health situation.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you currently have COVID-19, or have you recently had it?
Are you experiencing symptoms of 'long COVID'?
Are you able to provide access to your medical history related to COVID-19?
Are you currently living in the Saarland region of Germany?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the CORSAAR study, you won't be given any new medications or treatments. Instead, the researchers will 'observe' how your COVID-19 illness progresses naturally. This involves collecting your medical history, taking some measurements (which might include things like blood pressure or temperature), and gathering samples to measure specific chemicals in your body, like cytokines.

These checks and information gathering will happen at different stages: when you first join the study, throughout any time you might spend in hospital, and after you've gone home. The specific number of visits or how long each takes isn't detailed, as it will likely depend on how your illness develops. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long they need to observe your recovery or experience with long COVID.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in an observational study like CORSAAR usually involves very low risks, as you won't be receiving any new treatments. Any procedures, like blood tests, carry small risks such as slight bruising or discomfort. The main benefit is that your information will help scientists better understand COVID-19, potentially leading to improved care for others in the future. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Saarland University
Verified postcode
Homburg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'observational study'?

It means researchers watch and record how an illness develops naturally, without giving new medicines or treatments.

What is 'long COVID'?

'Long COVID' refers to ongoing symptoms that can last for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection.

Will I receive new medicine if I join?

No, this study does not involve giving new medicines or treatments; it's about observing how COVID-19 affects people.

Do I have to go to Germany to take part?

Yes, this specific study is focused on people living in the Saarland region of Germany.

Can children take part in this study?

Yes, the study is open to people of all ages, from newborns to older adults.

How to find out more

Robert Bals, MD PhD

robert.bals@uks.eu +4968411615051 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.