BMC Infectious Diseases (Sep 2021)

Prognostic factors and outcomes of COVID-19 cases in Ethiopia: multi-center cohort study protocol

  • Saro Abdella,
  • Masresha Tessema,
  • Geremew Tasew,
  • Atkure Defar,
  • Asefa Deressa,
  • Feyisa Regasa,
  • Frehiwot Teka,
  • Eyasu Tigabu,
  • Dereje Nigussie,
  • Tefera Belachew,
  • Million Molla,
  • Amare Deribew,
  • Workeabeba Abebe,
  • Tegbar Yigzaw,
  • Tsinuel Nigatu,
  • Getnet Mitike,
  • Tewodros Haile,
  • Haftom Taame,
  • Muhammed Ahmed,
  • Frehiwot Nigatu,
  • Tola Tolesa,
  • Eskinder Wolka,
  • Wondwossen Amogne,
  • Arnaud Laillou,
  • Misker Amare,
  • Yaregal Fufa,
  • Alemayehu Argaw,
  • Woldesenbet Waganew,
  • Akilili Azazh,
  • Aschalew Worku,
  • Berhane Redae,
  • Menbeu Sultan,
  • Miraf Walelegn,
  • Muluwork Tefera,
  • Sisay Yifru,
  • Rahel Argaw,
  • Natinael Brehau,
  • Sisay Teklu,
  • Getachew Demoz,
  • Yakob Seman,
  • Mihretab Salasibew,
  • Eshetu Ejeta,
  • Susan J. Whiting,
  • Dawit Wolday,
  • Getachew Tollera,
  • Ebba Abate,
  • Dereje Duguma

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06652-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and became pandemic after emerging in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Several studies have been conducted to understand the key features of COVID-19 and its public health impact. However, the prognostic factors of COVID-19 are not well studied in the African setting. In this study, we aim to determine the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 cases, immunological and virological courses, interaction with nutritional status, and response to treatment for COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Methods A multi-center cohort study design will be performed. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to selected treatment centers will be enrolled irrespective of their symptoms and followed-up for 12 months. Baseline epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and imaging data will be collected from treatment records, interviews, physical measurements, and biological samples. Follow-up data collection involves treatment and prognostic outcomes to be measured using different biomarkers and clinical parameters. Data collection will be done electronically using the Open Data Kit (ODK) software package and then exported to STATA/SPSS for analysis. Both descriptive and multivariable analyses will be performed to assess the independent determinants of the treatment outcome and prognosis to generate relevant information for informed prevention and case management. The primary outcomes of this study are death/survival and viral shedding. Secondary outcomes include epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, genetic frequency shifts (genotypic variations), and nutritional status. Discussion This is the first large prospective cohort study of patients in hospitals with COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The results will enable us to better understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa. This study will also provide useful information for effective public health measures and future pandemic preparedness and in response to outbreaks. It will also support policymakers in managing the epidemic based on scientific evidence. Trial Registration: The Protocol prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04584424) on 30 October, 2020.

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