Neurocognitive Testing in Long COVID and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Patients With Normal Saline: A Pilot Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying cognitive dysfunction, often called brain fog, in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (Long COVID). This study aims to see if a large intravenous infusion of normal saline (999 mL) can improve cognitive function compared to a smaller placebo infusion (50 mL). The study will also measure how these patients perform on cognitive tests compared to healthy controls. Participants will receive either 999 mL or 50 mL of normal saline through an intravenous line in their arm in a crossover design. Each visit includes resting supine with continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring, standing tests, and cognitive tests such as the Trail-Making Test and Heart Counting Task. The main cognitive assessments use the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) both seated and standing, with testing sessions lasting up to 90 minutes. After the lab tests, participants complete psychiatric symptom questionnaires online. During each visit, participants undergo continuous monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure during rest, standing, and cognitive testing. Researchers assess cognitive domains like memory, attention, and executive function. The primary outcome is the reaction time on a specific standing task during the procedure. Participants will attend two visits where all tests and infusions are repeated to compare effects. The study includes safety monitoring and uses symptom scores to evaluate participants' responses throughout the sessions.

NC Testing in LC & POTS