Spanish Study to Analyze the Histopathological, Ultrastructural and Microbiological Findings Obtained in Autopsies of Patients Who Died Due to COVID-19

Observational, Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study at National Level to Analyze the Histopathological, Ultrastructural and Microbiological Findings Obtained in Autopsies of Patients Who Died Due to COVID-19 in Spain

The aim of this study is prospectively analyzing the histopathological, ultrastructural and microbiological findings from autopsies performed on patients with COVID-19.

The aim of this study is to increase the knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of the COVID-19 disease, that will allow us to improve the design of clinical and therapeutic strategies against the disease. This is the tool to improve the prognosis of patients with COVID-19.

The performance of systematic and regulated autopsies can help to manage it. However, despite the need to generate this knowledge and the strong impact on mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the evidence from post-mortem studies is very limited.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with COVID-19 infection confirmed by PCR.
• Death related to active infection by COVID-19 or its complications.
• Informed consent given by the subject's relatives to perform an autopsy according to the autonomous community requirements.
• Informed consent given by the subject's relatives for the inclusion of samples in the Biobank.

Exclusion Criteria:

• COVID-19 infection diagnosed exclusively by serological methods.
• Advanced or terminal chronic disease.
• Inadequate security level of the autopsy room.