COVID-19 and CIBS Center

Neurotropism of coronaviridae (CoVs) is known to have occurred in both SARS and MERS epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 closely shares the viral structure and pathobiology of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

The intense cough, ventilator dyssynchrony, and infectious potential reported in COVID-19 patients begets management with large quantities of sedatives, immobilization and social isolation. Thus, COVID-19 is a perfect storm yielding an immense burden of delirium (which drives subsequent dementia) and PICS-related cognitive and mental health disabilities, leading to a widespread emerging public health crisis.

At the CIBS Center we will be studying the cognitive function and physical outcomes of COVID-19 survivors to understand the relationship between COVID-19 and long-term health from the pandemic. It may be that the dementia seen after critical illness, that we already study, could be made worse for COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 United States Registry

The ARDS Foundation is collecting information about patients from the United States that have been tested and/or hospitalized for COVID-19. The purpose of collecting this information is so that in the future, research can be conducted relating to this epidemic.

Ongoing Research

CIBS Center’s COVID-19 Research

Current Research

A national study (sponsored by NIH-NIA) in which deceased patients’ families are consenting to provide a priceless donation to science to study COVID-19 effect on the brain.
A national study of the effect of COVID-related isolation policies on patients, families, and healthcare providers in the ICU
A multicenter study of the role of a new drug for ICU delirium in COVID-19 patients
NIH funded Randomized Controlled Trial of an Immunomodulator (Baricitinib) for Patients with Long COVID

Archived Studies

An International study of the risk factors and epidemiology of delirium and coma in COVID-19 patients while admitted to the ICU
A national study (sponsored by NIH-NIA) to understand long-term cognitive function, PTSD, and depression in COVID-19 survivors
Speech Bubble

COVID-19 and CIBS Center in the News

Speech Bubble

Additional COVID-19 News