MGH Emergency Medicine
COVID-19 Projects in 2020
Below, please find information about the COVID-19 research projects involving MGH Emergency Medicine faculty in 2020.
Please right-click on the 
icon next to any project to open the corresponding publication on PubMed. Projects with manuscripts that are in-press but not yet published on PubMed are noted with an IP below.
Please contact us at emnet@partners.org with any questions.
Projects
PI: Liming Liang lliang@hsph.harvard.edu
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: None
IRB number HSPH IRB18-2076, 2020P001467
IRB approval date: 12/19/18, 5/13/20
Description: This project aims to investigate the associations of asthma and its genetic predisposition with incidence of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in UK Biobank database (n~500k). Faculty collaborators include Carlos Camargo, Kohei Hasegawa, and Zhaozhong Zhu.
PI: Kohei Hasegawa; khasegawa@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM; grant application submitted
IRB protocol number: 2013P000620 AME2, AME3
IRB approval dates: 10/24/19, 4/20/20
Description: This multicenter prospective observational study examines the airway management, intubator characteristics (including PPEs), and patient outcomes in consecutive patients (including patients with severe COVID-19) who undergo airway management in the ED.
PI: Kohei Hasegawa; khasegawa@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: NIAID/NIH; grant application submitted
IRB protocol number: 2017P002822 AME5
IRB approval date: 2/23/20
Study duration: 12 months
Description: This study builds on the ongoing MARC-35 cohort (Carlos Camargo, PI). Specifically, the study will test the hypothesis that non-SARS coronavirus (HKU1, OC43, 229E, NL-63) infection has a distinct virus-host-microbiome relationship-characterized by the airway transcriptomics and metatranscriptomics–which contributes to disease severity. The use of our non-SARS CoV data as “controls” will also enable future COVID-19 research to delineate its unique pathobiology and, thereby, advance the development of therapeutics.
PI: Michael Filbin; mfilbin@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, single center study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH EM; The Broad Institute
IRB protocol number: 2017P001681
IRB approval date: 3/16/20
Study duration: 4 months
Description: The objectives are: 1) to characterize the host immune response to COVID-19 infection with respiratory dysfunction using single cell RNA-sequencing of circulating immune cells with the goal of identifying unique mechanistic pathways associated with disease progression, and 2) to identify potential therapeutic targets. We will obtain blood on days 0, 1, 3, and 7 of hospitalization in order to study the evolution of the host immune response over time.
PI: Lorenzo Berra; MGH Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine
MGH Dept of EM contact: Stuart Harris; nsharris@mgh.harvard.edu
Interventional, multicenter study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH Anesthesia
IRB protocol number: 2020P000787
IRB approval date: 3/16/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: Phase II/III RCT investigating the off-label use of inhaled nitric oxide for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who require mechanical ventilation. Nitric oxide has been demonstrated to have direct toxic effect on SARS-CoV-1. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04306393
PI: Lorenzo Berra; MGH Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine
MGH Dept of EM contact: Stuart Harris; nsharris@mgh.harvard.edu
Interventional, multicenter study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH Anesthesia
IRB protocol number: 2020P000786
IRB approval date: 3/16/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: Phase II/III RCT investigating the off-label use of inhaled nitric oxide for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who do not require mechanical ventilation. Nitric oxide has been demonstrated to have direct toxic effect on SARS-CoV-1. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04305457
PI: Maggie Samuels-Kalow; msamuels-kalow@partners.org
Observational, single center study, no participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM; grant application submitted
IRB protocol numbers: 2018P001873 AME7, 2020P001076
IRB approval date: 3/19/20
Study duration: 24 months
Description: The objectives are: 1) to determine the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases presenting to MGH; 2) to identify disparities in measured prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 patients; and 3) to establish the impact of COVID-19 infection on subsequent ED and hospital utilization. Faculty collaborators include David Brown, Carlos Camargo, Rebecca Cash, Sayon Dutta, and Benjamin White.
PI: Carlos Camargo; ccamargo@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, minimal participant contact
Sponsor: NIAID/NIH
IRB protocol number: 2016P002882 AME34
IRB approval date: 3/31/20
Study duration: 4 months
Description: The objectives are to investigate risk factors for both incident COVID-19 infection and disease severity. The proposed study includes online questionnaires and telephone interviews in >1600 children that are currently enrolled in the NIAID-funded MARC-35 and MARC-43 cohorts (enrolled at 17 sites in 14 states). Faculty collaborators include Kohei Hasegawa and Maggie Samuels-Kalow.
PI: Rakesh Jain, MGH Radiation Oncology
Dept of EM contact: Sayon Dutta; sdutta1@partners.org
Observational, multicenter, no participant contact
Sponsor: grant application submitted
IRB protocol number: 2020P000964
IRB exemption date: 4/1/20
Study duration: 12 months
Description: The objectives are to develop a multiscale, systems biology mathematical model to simulate COVID-19 infection and progression. Various interventions involving ARBs, ACEi and rhACE2 will be analyzed and their effects on reducing viral infection, inflammation and lung damage will be assessed.
PIs: Hamid Shokoohi; hshokoohi@mgh.hbard.edu; and Andrew Liteplo; aliteplo@partners.org
Observational, single center study, no participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM
IRB protocol number: 2019P000189
IRB approval date: 4/3/2020
Study duration: TBD
Description: The objectives of this study are to characterize the association of ultrasound findings with clinical outcomes and deterioration events, with the aim of assessing bedside ultrasound as a tool to risk stratify and aid imaging and disposition decisions. This study retrospectively investigates cardiac and lung ultrasound done as part of routine clinical care for COVID-19 patients in the ED.
PI: Jonathan Slutzman; jslutzman@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: None
IRB not submitted
Study duration: TBD
Description: The objectives are to estimate the total environmental impact of additional PPE needs and use, using environmental life-cycle assessment tools,. We will, to the extent possible, compare some disposable vs reusable PPE strategies, particularly for respirators and gowns. Collaborators include Andrea Hicks, Cassandra Thiel, Matthew Eckelman, and Brian Chesebro.
PI: Lorenzo Berra; MGH Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine
MGH Dept of EM contact: Stuart Harris; nsharris@mgh.harvard.edu
Interventional, single center study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH Anesthesia
IRB protocol number: 2020P000831
IRB approval date: 4/7/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: RCT of the administration of exogenous Nitric Oxide (NO) to present the development of COVID-19 in healthcare providers exposed to patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. There will be 470 subjects enrolled. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04312243
PI: Jeffrey Kline; Indiana University
Consultant: Carlos Camargo; ccamargo@partners.org
Site PI: Chris Kabrhel; ckabrhel@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: grant applications pending
IRB protocol number: 2020P001056
IRB approval date: 4/9/20
Study duration: 12 months
Description: The objectives of this national chart review study are: 1) To collect retrospective data and set up a multi-center registry of patients who presented over a one-year period to the emergency department (ED) with potential COVID-19; and 2) To collect multiple data points including but not limited to demographics, initial vital signs, previous medical conditions, lab results, ED and hospital disposition, and other clinical outcomes.
PI: Ben White; bwhite@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM, grant application submitted
IRB protocol number: 2020P001062 (exempt)
IRB exemption date: 4/9/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: The objective is to develop a risk stratification tool to identify patients that will have increased oxygen requirements within 24 hours based on data that would be available to an Emergency Medicine provider to assist in disposition decisions. Collaborators include Sayon Dutta, Josh Baugh, Jared Conley, Michael Loesche, Andrew Chu, Oleg Pianyk, and Daniel Briggs.
PI: Wesley Self; Vanderbilt University
Site PI: Michael Filbin; mfilbin@mgh.harvard.edu
Interventional, multicenter study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: NIGMS/NIH
IRB protocol number: 2020P001072
IRB approval date: 4/14/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: Blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled RCT to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 who receive a 5-day course of enteral Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) versus placebo. This trial is being done through the PETAL Network. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04332991
PI: Stuart Harris; nsharris@mgh.harvard.edu
Interventional, single center study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH EM
IRB protocol number: 2020P001036
IRB approval date: pending
Study duration: TBD
Description: Phase II/III RCT investigating the off-label use of inhaled nitric oxide for ED patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. Nitric oxide has been demonstrated to have direct toxic effect on SARS-CoV-1. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04338828
PI: Maggie Samuels-Kalow; msamuels-kalow@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM
IRB protocol number: 2020P001142
IRB approval date: 4/17/20
Description: The objective is to investigate changes in ED visits for dental problems during the closure of dental offices during COVID-19. Collaborators include Lisa Simon and Regan Marsh.
PI: Maggie Samuels-Kalow; msamuels-kalow@partners.org
Observational, single center study, no participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM
IRB protocol number: 2020P001076
IRB approval date: 4/23/20
Study duration: 6 months
Description: The objective is to use electronic medical record data of patients with COVID-19 receiving ICU care at MGH to model the impacts of different crisis standards of care (CSC) on patients by race/ethnicity, insurance status, and language. Faculty Collaborators include Carlos Camargo and Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos.
PI: Rebecca Cash; rcash@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: none
IRB protocol number: 2020P001266
IRB approval date: 4/27/20
Study duration: 9 months
Description: The objectives are to describe changes in PPE awareness and training from October 2019 to May 2020 among nationally-certified EMS personnel in the US. We will use data collected by the National Registry of EMTs and will specifically at differences by EMS-related characteristics of interest such as certification level, agency type (e.g., fire-based, private service), and service provided (e.g., 911 or medical transport). Collaborators include Carlos Camargo and Ashish Panchal.
PI: Tina Hartert; Vanderbilt University
Site PI: Carlos Camargo; ccamargo@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, minimal participant contact
Sponsor: NIAID/NIH
IRB protocol number: 2020P001296
IRB approval date: 5/1/20
Study duration: 8.5 months
Description: The primary objective is determine the incidence of SARS-COV-2 infection in children and their household contacts. Other objectives are to investigate risk factors and mechanisms for both incident COVID-19 infection and disease severity. The proposed study includes online questionnaires, telephone interviews, serial nasal swabs, fecal samples, and blood samples in >2000 families that are currently enrolled in NIAID-funded pediatric cohorts nationwide. Faculty collaborators include Kohei Hasegawa.
PI: Kori Zachrison; kzachrison@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: none
IRB protocol number: 2009P001595
IRB approval date: 5/3/20
Description: The objective of this study is to determine whether there have been changes in frequency of stroke patient presentation, patient severity, and care delivery metrics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PI: Keith Marill; kmarill@mgh.harvard.edu
Interventional, single center study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH EM, 10xbeta
IRB protocol number: 2020P001051
IRB approval date: 5/7/20
Study duration: 1 month
Description: The objective is to assess the ability and safety of the automated BVM compressor to provide sufficient temporary mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate ARDS, in order to serve as a replacement for ventilators if needed.
PI: Kimberly Blumenthal, MGH Medicine
MGH Dept of EM contact: Carlos Camargo; ccamargo@partners.org
Observational, multi-center study, no participant contact
Sponsor: None
IRB protocol number: 2020P000833 AME 8
IRB approval date: 5/8/20
Description: This project aims to investigate the predictors of severe adverse outcomes in asthmatic patients as compared to non-asthmatics with COVID-19 in the RPDR database. Collaborators include Lacey Robinson and Zachary Wallace.
PI: Maura Kennedy; mkennedy8@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, minimal participant contact
Sponsor: Dept EM
IRB exempt
IRB exemption date: 5/31/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: The objective is to understand visitor policies during COVID-19 at U.S. hospitals and exemptions to these policies for dementia patients.
PI: Kori Zachrison; kzachrison@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: National Foundation of Emergency Medicine
IRB protocol number: 2020P001076
IRB approval date: 7/15/20
Study duration: 4 months
Description: Our objective is to determine whether ePPE use may contribute to worsening disparities in health care delivery for patients with limited English proficiency. Faculty collaborators include Carlos Camargo and Maggie Samuels-Kalow.
PI: Brian Yun; byun@mgh.harvard.edu
Observational, single center study, direct patient contact
Sponsor: MGH EM
IRB protocol number: 2020P002587
IRB approval date: 9/21/20
Study duration: TBD
Description: The objective is to assess for prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers who work in the emergency department. Collaborators include David Brown, Sayon Dutta, Michael Filbin, Blair Parry, Elizabeth Temin, and Sarah Turbett.
PI: Carlos Camargo; ccamargo@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, no participant contact
Sponsor: none
IRB waived by Case Western Reserve
Study duration: 1 month
Description: Our objective was to compare the geographic distribution of U.S. emergency physicians age 60+ years to the cumulative distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases, to highlight the potential risks faced by this vulnerable population of clinicians. The study was led by former EMNet/MGH CRC David Zheng, now a medical student at Case Western Reserve.
PI: Kori Zachrison; kzachrison@partners.org
Observational, multicenter study, minimal participant contact
Sponsor: pending
IRB protocol number: 2005P000015 AME 15 (exempt)
IRB approval date: 11/23/20
Study duration: 12 months
Description: The objective is to understand the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of telemedicine by US EDs. This includes understanding factors related to adoption and persistent use of telemedicine by US EDs. Faculty collaborators include Carlos Camargo and Emily Hayden.
PI: Shuhan He; she8@partners.org
Interventional, multicenter study, minimal participant contact
Sponsor: MGH EM
IRB status: Not yet submitted
Study duration: 6 months
Description: The objectives are to describe a nationwide database of PPE requests. A web-based platform (GetUsPPE.org) was developed by a collaborative of software engineers and physicians from across the country. A quantitative, real-time snapshot of the PPE needs nationwide is needed to equitably allocate current and new supply. GetUsPPE.org also collects information about people or organizations interested in donating PPE, including type, quantity, and standard of supply (e.g. CE certified, FDA certified), and matching of donations and need is done through manual localization (e.g. a map-based visualization of nearby organizations) and computer algorithms. Real-time data for PPE needs nationwide is available at GetUsPPE.org.