AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

Post-INFECT: Investigating Neuroinflammation and its eFEcts in post-COVID syndrome: an imaging sTudy

The Post-INFECT study is investigating what happens in the brain after having COVID-19, focusing on people who experience ongoing symptoms, often called 'long COVID'. Researchers want to understand if there are changes in how the brain uses energy and how its different parts are structured and function. They will use special brain scans, including PET and MRI, to get detailed pictures and information. They will also look at blood tests to check for signs of immune system activity. The main goal is to find out more about what causes long COVID symptoms in the brain, with the hope that this knowledge could lead to better ways to help people in the future.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Amsterdam UMC Stichting

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

post-COVID syndrome

What is this study about?

This study, called Post-INFECT, is looking into something many people are curious about: what happens in the brain after someone has had COVID-19, especially if they are experiencing ongoing symptoms known as 'long COVID'. We know that some people continue to feel unwell for weeks or even months after the initial infection, and this study aims to understand what might be causing these feelings and symptoms.

Researchers will use two main types of brain scans: a PET scan and an MRI scan. The PET scan uses a very small, safe amount of a special sugar-like substance (called Fludeoxyglucose) that shows how brain cells are using energy. This can help researchers see if parts of the brain are working differently. The MRI scan gives detailed pictures of the brain's structure and can see how different areas connect and function. Alongside these scans, blood tests will be taken to check for clues about the body's immune system, which is important for fighting off infections like COVID-19.

The main purpose of gathering all this information is to get a clearer picture of what's happening inside the brains of people with long COVID. By understanding these changes in brain activity, structure, and immune responses, doctors and scientists hope to learn more about the condition itself. This increased knowledge could eventually lead to developing new and more effective ways to help people manage their symptoms and recover from long COVID, improving their quality of life.

Key takeaways

This study investigates changes in the brain for people with long COVID.
It uses special brain scans (PET and MRI) and blood tests.
The goal is to understand how the brain works differently in long COVID.
Participation is for adults aged 18+ with post-COVID syndrome.
Findings could help develop better ways to manage long COVID symptoms.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit, meaning people of all adult ages can potentially take part. Both men and women are welcome to participate in this research.

The study is specifically for individuals who have been diagnosed with 'post-COVID syndrome', which is another name for long COVID. This means you would need to be experiencing persistent symptoms after an initial COVID-19 infection. The researchers will have specific criteria to confirm if your symptoms fit the definition of post-COVID syndrome for the study.

As with all clinical trials, there will be other health requirements that the research team will discuss with you. These are put in place to ensure your safety throughout the study and to make sure the results are as clear and useful as possible. If you think you might fit these general descriptions, the study team can provide more detailed information.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with 'post-COVID syndrome' (long COVID)?
Are you able to attend appointments for scans and blood tests?
Are you comfortable having brain scans (PET and MRI)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would undergo several assessments. This includes having a PET scan and an MRI scan of your brain. These scans are important for understanding what’s happening in your brain. You would also have blood samples taken, which will help researchers look at your immune system. Additionally, you will be asked to complete questionnaires that ask about your symptoms and how you are feeling. The study involves a 'Therapeutic Confirmatory' phase, meaning it aims to confirm findings about how the brain behaves in long COVID and understand what is happening biologically. The total duration of your participation would be explained fully by the study team, but likely involves a series of visits for these tests and assessments over a period of time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of joining this study is contributing valuable information that could lead to a better understanding of long COVID and improved treatments for others in the future. You might also gain more information about your own health, though the study is primarily for research purposes, not individual diagnosis. Potential risks include the side effects from the imaging agents used in the PET scan (although these are generally very mild and temporary, like a slight discomfort from the injection). There are also general risks associated with MRI scans, such as being in an enclosed space. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What is 'long COVID'?

Long COVID, or post-COVID syndrome, means having symptoms that continue for weeks or months after you first had COVID-19. These symptoms can include tiredness, breathlessness, brain fog, and many others.

What are PET and MRI scans?

PET and MRI are types of scans that take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. PET scans can show how your cells are working, and MRI scans show the structure and function of your organs, like the brain.

Will I get medicine in this study?

This study is focused on understanding changes in the brain using scans and blood tests, rather than testing a specific new medication. The Fludeoxyglucose substance is part of the PET scan, not a treatment.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults aged 18 and over, both men and women, who have a diagnosis of long COVID are eligible to be considered for this study.

What will I have to do if I join?

You would have brain scans (PET and MRI), blood tests, and fill out questionnaires about your symptoms. The study team will explain the schedule of visits.