The present multicenter prospective observational study aims to assess the long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

This is a hybrid design study with components of cohort and case-control designs. Survivors of hospitalization due to ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2, survivors of hospitalization due to ARDS caused by other etiologies not associated with SARS-CoV-2, and family controls without history of COVID-19 or hospitalization will be followed up for a period of 6 months.

COHORT OF SURVIVORS OF ARDS CAUSED BY COVID-19

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years;
• Hospitalization due to COVID-19;
• Positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2;
• Diagnosis of ARDS during hospitalization according to the Berlin definition;
• Expected to survive and be discharged directly home from the hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe comorbidity with life expectancy less than 3 months;
• Unavailability to attend the study follow-up appointment;
• Death during hospitalization;
• Absence of proxy for patients with communication difficulties;
• Refusal or withdrawal of agreement to participate.

COHORT OF SURVIVORS OF ARDS CAUSED BY OTHER ETIOLOGIES NOT ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years;
• Hospitalization;
• Diagnosis of ARDS during hospitalization according to the Berlin definition;
• Expected to survive and be discharged directly home from the hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe comorbidity with life expectancy less than 3 months;
• Unavailability to attend the study follow-up appointment;
• Death during hospitalization;
• History of SARS-CoV-2 infection within the last 12 months;
• Absence of proxy for patients with communication difficulties;
• Refusal or withdrawal of agreement to participate.

FAMILY CONTROLS

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years;
• Family member of a enrolled participant (either from the COVID-19 ARDS cohort or from the non-COVID-19 ARDS cohort)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe comorbidity with life expectancy less than 3 months;
• Unavailability to attend the study follow-up appointment;
• History of SARS-CoV-2 infection within the last 12 months;
• History of non-elective hospitalization due to medical condition within the last 12 months;
• Refusal or withdrawal of agreement to participate.

Survivors of hospitalization due to ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2, survivors of hospitalization due to ARDS caused by other etiologies not associated with SARS-CoV-2, and family controls without history of COVID-19 or hospitalization