Covid 19: Thrombosis Assays for STOP PASC Clinical Trial

Abstract Approximately 20-30% of Covid-19 patients experience prolonged symptoms post-infection, termed post-acute sequelae of covid-19 (PASC), also known as long Covid. The CDC estimates that 7% of the US population has or has had PASC. The symptoms of PASC are varied and include neurologic, respiratory, cardiac, and intestinal complications. Many of these symptoms may be explained by the presence of microthrombotic events, which cause localized, organ- specific damage by blocking the microvasculature and preventing delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissue. In support of this theory, microthrombi have been shown to be elevated in acute Covid and PASC patients. The STOP PASC clinical trial, led by Dr. Paul J. Utz at Stanford University, aims to assess the use of Paxlovid as a treatment for PASC. We will assess the effect of Paxlovid treatment on microthrombosis, by measuring the presence of clots in samples from 150 study participants at two timepoints (pre- and post-treatment). In collaboration with Dr. Utz, the results will be used to determine both the effect of Paxlovid on microthrombosis, and the relationship between microclots and clinical outcomes in patients.