Two UBC Department of Medicine members are the recipients of the MSFHR COVID-19 Research Response Fund Award
The MSFHR COVID-19 Research Response Funding Call was developed in the context of the current setting of a large number of rapidly deployed, global and national research funds covering the full array of pandemic research. It focuses on high quality research that evaluates BC’s response to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and informs ongoing response, especially strategies for avoiding or mitigating subsequent waves of transmission.
We are pleased to announce the following UBC Department of Medicine recipients:
Dr. Christopher Carlsten
Project: Respiratory Outcomes Following COVID-19 Infection In British Columbia: A Prospective Patient Registry
Thousands of people in BC will be infected with COVID-19. Thankfully most recover, but unfortunately, little is known about lingering problems experienced by survivors and what care they will need. This study will address two key questions: First, what lung problems continue to challenge survivors of COVID-19? Second, what tests are needed to meet the challenges to lung health and quality of life? Given that this is a new disease, it is crucial to develop a registry (a ‘home’ where all medical information is collected and analyzed), alongside a post-COVID clinic, in order to learn with and from patients. This work is important to British Columbians because it is vital in identifying and addressing meaningful research questions that will help patients to get the care they need.
Dr. Juan Aviña-Zubieta
Project: Risk And Outcomes Of COVID-19 Patients Exposed To Immunosuppressive And Immunomodulatory Agents In British Columbia. A Population-Based Study
To be better prepared for the second wave of COVID-19 in BC, we need to understand the risk factors influencing contracting the infection and its outcome in infected people, especially in vulnerable people, such as patients with auto-immune diseases, cancer or those with transplants who are being treated with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents (IIA).
Patients using IIA for their care have raised fears about being at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 as these medications lower the immune system. Also, they have uncertainties as IIA are being used to treat COVID-19.
In this study, we will assess:
The risk of COVID-19 infection among individuals who use IIA in BC,
The risk of serious outcomes among COVID-19 patient who use IIA compared to patients who do not use IIA.
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Carlsten and Aviña-Zubieta on this wonderful achievement