Post-COVID-19 SyndromePhase 2NCT05986422
Methylprednisolone in Patients With Cognitive Deficits in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS)
A Phase 2 study testing Methylprednisolone in people with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, run by Charite University, Berlin, Germany at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
This clinical trial aims to learn about the therapeutic value of Methylprednisolone, a well-known immunosuppressant, on cognitive deficits in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Methylprednisolone
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 96 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2023to 19 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- History of confirmed (PCR or serology) SARS-CoV-2 infection according to WHO criteria
- Ongoing symptoms of PCS for ≥ 3 months
- Self-reported cognitive deficits at screening
- Male or female adult who is 18 years or older at the time of informed consent
- Subject is willing, understanding and able to provide informed consent
- Signed informed consent prior to initiation of any trial related measure
Show all 11Show fewer
- For female subject or divers subjects:
- Confirmed post-menopausal state, defined as amenorrhea for at least 12 months, or
- If being of childbearing potential:
- Negative highly sensitive urine or serum pregnancy test before inclusion, and
- Practicing a highly effective birth control method (failure rate of less than 1%)
Who cannot join
- Any ongoing central nervous system disease
- Any major psychiatric disease within the last 10 years
- Previous medical history of gastric ulcer, osteoporosis and/or previous vertebral fractures, rheumatological disease or metabolic disease including diabetes mellitus
- Ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
- Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding at screening
- MMQ memory satisfaction subdomain >50 points at Screening
Show all 14Show fewer
- Current malignant disease (including space-occupying brain tumors)
- Body weight <45kg
- Severe lactose intolerance
- Participation in another clinical interventional trial within the last 3 months or five half- lives of the other trial's IMP, if longer than 6 months previous to informed consent
- Patient is institutionalized by order of court or public authority
- Patient who might be dependent on the sponsor, the investigator or the trial site
- Place of living does not allow the subject to attend the planned study visits
- Other conditions that are likely to affect to safety of the study treatment (e.g., severely impaired immune status)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Germany1 site
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Berlin, State of Berlin, 10117
About this study
Official title: Phase 2a, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Methylprednisolone Versus Placebo in Patients With Cognitive Deficits in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS)
This clinical trial aims to learn about the therapeutic value of Methylprednisolone, a well-known immunosuppressant, on cognitive deficits in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) Does Methylprednisolone improve memory function in PCS patients compared to placebo? 2) Does Methylprednisolone improve other patient centered outcomes in PCS patients such as fatigue, mood and quality of life compared to placebo? 3)What are the side effects of Methylprednisolone in this patient population, and how common are they? Participants in this study will be patients with PCS and cognitive deficits, who will be asked to participate for 52 weeks. They will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: One group will receive Methylprednisolone once daily for six weeks, with a dosage reduction after week 4. The other group will receive a matching placebo once daily for six weeks, following the same titration regimen to ensure blinding. Participants will attend outpatient follow-up visits in weeks 8 and 20, with a final telephone follow-up after 52 weeks. Clinical examinations and safety monitoring will be conducted during the treatment phase. This study's results may help develop more effective therapies for this condition.
Read the detailed description
Around 10-40% of mild COVID-19 patients experience persisting or new symptoms known as post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Neurological symptoms, particularly cognitive deficits and fatigue, are common in PCS, with a higher prevalence in female patients (Boesl et al., 2021; Ceban et al., 2022). The underlying causes of PCS remain unclear, but some evidence suggests autoimmune mechanisms may play a role. Currently, there are no proven treatments for PCS, leading to a need for effective therapies. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the impact of methylprednisolone, a generally well-tolerated and affordable drug, on cognitive deficits in PCS patients with suspected autoimmune involvement.
The objective is to demonstrate improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome treated with Methylprednisolone compared with placebo. Methylprednisolone is a well-known immunosuppressant used for multiple diseases of (suspected) autoimmune etiology.
This is a two-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of Methylprednisolone versus placebo in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) and cognitive deficits. The study spans 52 weeks, and participants will be stratified based on age, sex, and cognitive screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). They will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Methylprednisolone (including a tapering phase) or placebo for 6 weeks, followed by an additional 6 weeks of open treatment phase with Methylprednisolone after a 6-weeks treatment pause. During the study, follow-up visits will be conducted as outpatient visits in weeks 8 and 20, with a final telephone follow-up after 52 weeks. The screening and baseline examinations will involve recording of medical history, checking inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducting clinical examinations. The intervention group will receive approximately 1mg/kg body weight oral Methylprednisolone once daily for 6 weeks, with dosage reduction after week 4. The other group will receive a matching placebo once daily for 6 weeks, following the same titration regimen to maintain blinding. The starting dose for both interventions will be Methylprednisolone at approximately 1 mg/kg body weight or matching placebo once per day. Throughout the treatment phase, all participants will undergo safety and monitoring examinations.
This clinical trial is of significant importance as it has the potential to benefit individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) by exploring the effects of Methylprednisolone on cognitive impairment and fatigue. Additionally, it may provide crucial insights into PCS's pathophysiological processes, leading to the development of more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.
- Conditions
- Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
- Being tested
- Methylprednisolone
- Keywords
- Long COVID, Cognitive deficits
- Medical subject headings
- Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, Cognition Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
The treatment period consists of six weeks of daily intake of either Methylprednisolone or placebo (depending on randomization), followed by an additional six weeks of daily intake of open-label Methylprednisolone. During the study, follow-up assessments will be conducted at two points: at week 8 and week 20 from the start of each treatment phase.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Methylprednisolone | Active comparator | Tested IMP: Methylprednisolone (film-coated tablet). Authorization status: Not authorized in this targeted therapeutic indication; methylprednisolone is authorized for treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases. The tablets being administered in this trial are an official trade product provided by the marketing authorization holder JenaPharm.
Administration: Tablet containing 16 mg/tablet will be administered orally and according to bodyweight groups. Treatment period comprises 6 weeks of blinded daily IMP (investigational medicinal product) intake (verum or placebo) and 6 weeks of unblinded daily intake of Methylprednisolone. The general IMP titration regimen was investigated and proven to be safe in patients with cerebral vasculitis (Schirmer et al., 2020). Receives: Drug: Methylprednisolone |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Comparator IMP: Placebo (film-coated tablet). Authorization status: Not authorized. To ensure identical conditions with the verum (Methylprednisolone), we will use placebo tablets of the same color and size in identical tablet packages for both the verum and placebo.
Administration: Tablets (7 mm) will be administered orally and according to bodyweight groups. To achieve consistent conditions with the verum, titration will be conducted in a manner similar to the tested IMP (Methylprednisolone). Treatment period comprises 6 weeks of blinded daily IMP intake (placebo or verum) and 6 weeks of unblinded daily intake of Methylprednisolone. Receives: Drug: Methylprednisolone |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ)
The MMQ is a participant-reported measure of memory satisfaction. It consists of three scales measuring separate aspects of metamemory including memory satisfaction, memory ability, and memory strategy. For memory satisfaction, eighteen items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale based on the test taker's experience over the previous two weeks.The score range is 0 to 72, with higher scores indicating a higher degree of satisfaction. A change of 13 points is commonly rated as clinically significant change. In this study, intra-patient change in MMQ subdomain memory satisfaction by ≥15 points from baseline to week 8 will be interpreted as meaningful improvement.
Measured: 8 weeks after first IMP intake
Secondary outcomes (9)
Long-term improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ)
Intra-patient change in MMQ subdomain memory satisfaction from baseline to week 20, from week 8 to week 20 and from week 20 to week 52 will be documented.
Measured: 20 and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in memory ability and memory strategy as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire
As secondary outcomes the MMQ subdomains memory ability and memory strategy are assessed. The memory ability subscale evaluates participants' self-perception of everyday memory capabilities. Participants are asked to rate the frequency with which they experience 20 common memory mistakes over the preceding two weeks. Scores on this subscale range from 0 to 80, where higher scores indicate better self-reported memory ability. The memory strategy subscale evaluates the usage of practical memory strategies and aids in day-to-day life. Respondents rate the frequency of their utilization of 19 memory strategies during the past two weeks. Scores on this subscale range from 0 to 76, with higher scores reflecting a greater implementation of memory strategies. Mean difference in MMQ subdomain 'memory ability' and 'memory strategy' from baseline to week 8 and to week 20 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in neurocognitive functions as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
The MoCA is a sensitive and validated cognitive screening tool to test subjects quickly and accurately for mild cognitive impairment, irrespective of etiology. A person can gain a maximum of 30 points, and professionals consider a score of 26 or above to be normal. A score of 25 points or less may indicate some degree of cognitive impairment (18-25 = mild cognitive impairment, 10-17 = moderate cognitive impairment, fewer than 10 points = severe cognitive impairment). Intra-patient change in neurocognitive functions from baseline to week 8 and to week 20 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in neurocognitive functions as measured by the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT)
The SDMT (oral version) detects cognitive impairment in less than five minutes and will be used to assess change in cognitive function over time. SDMT is a validated and established measure of cognition in multiple sclerosis capturing impairments such as processing speed and working memory, visual search and scanning, and oculomotor functioning. Patients are provided a sheet with nine symbols, each paired with a number on top of the page. The remainder of the page consists of a randomized, sequential assortment of these symbols. Participants are asked to respond verbally with the number corresponding to each symbol. The final score is the correct number of substitutions in 90s (range 0 to 110, higher score = higher neurocognitive function). Intra-patient change in neurocognitive functions from baseline to week 8 and to week 20 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in quality of life (QoL) as measured by the PROMIS questionnaire
The PROMIS is a set of person-centered measures that evaluates and monitors physical, mental, and social health in adults and children. PROMIS measures can be used with the general population and with individuals living with chronic conditions. Intra-patient change in PROMIS score from baseline to week 8, week 20, and week 52 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in physical and mental fatigue as measured by the Chalder Fatigue Scale
The Chalder Fatigue Scale measures the extent and severity of tiredness and has been used in multiple randomized trials of behavioral interventions in patients with ME/CFS. Each of the 11 items is answered on a 4-point scale with an overall score ranging from 0 (asymptomatic) to 33 (maximum symptomology). Intra-patient change in physical and mental fatigue from baseline to week 8, week 20, and week 52 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Severity Score (FSS)
The FSS is a 9-item scale that measures the severity of fatigue and its effect on a person's activities and lifestyle. Answers are scored on a seven-point scale (1 = strongly disagree; 7 = strongly agree). Thus, the minimum score is 9 (no fatigue), and the highest is 63 (heavy fatigue). Intra-patient change in fatigue severity from baseline to week 8, week 20, and week 52 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in mood as measured by the Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II)
The BDI-II is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of depression symptoms in individuals aged 13 years and older. It consists of 21 multiple-choice items, each corresponding to a specific symptom of depression. Respondents rate the intensity of their symptoms on a scale ranging from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater levels of depression. Intra-patient change in mood from baseline to week 8, week 20, and week 52 and from week 8 to week 20 will be documented.
Measured: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Difference of occurring AE and SAE comparing Methyprednisolone with placebo (IMP safety).
Occurrence of IMP side and adverse effects, including but not limited to infections, endocrinologic disorders, and psychiatric complications, assessed with AE, SAE and SUSAR reports.
Measured: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Aug 2023
- Study start1 Oct 2023
- Primary completion14 Mar 2025
- Study completion19 Feb 2026
Why it stopped: Following a recommendation from the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Post-COVID-19 SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Charite University, Berlin, GermanyThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 96 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Charite University, Berlin, Germany
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Heinrich J Audebert, Charite University, Berlin, Germany
- Investigators
- Heinrich Audebert, Prof., MD, Principal investigator, Charite University, Berlin, Germany
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05986422
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PoCoVIT
- Other IDs
- 01EP2201
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Aug 2023
- Last updated
- 5 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Schirmer JH, Aries PM, Balzer K, Berlit P, Bley TA, Buttgereit F, Czihal M, Dechant C, Dejaco C, Garske U, Henes J, Holle JU, Holl-Ulrich K, Lamprecht P, Nolle B, Moosig F, Rech J, Scheuermann K, Schmalzing M, Schmidt WA, Schneider M, Schulze-Koops H, Venhoff N, Villiger PM, Witte T, Zanker M, Hellmich B. [S2k guidelines: management of large-vessel vasculitis]. Z Rheumatol. 2020 Nov;79(Suppl 3):67-95. doi: 10.1007/s00393-020-00893-1. No abstract available. German.
PubMed 33156399Boesl F, Audebert H, Endres M, Pruss H, Franke C. A Neurological Outpatient Clinic for Patients With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome - A Report on the Clinical Presentations of the First 100 Patients. Front Neurol. 2021 Sep 16;12:738405. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.738405. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34603189Ceban F, Ling S, Lui LMW, Lee Y, Gill H, Teopiz KM, Rodrigues NB, Subramaniapillai M, Di Vincenzo JD, Cao B, Lin K, Mansur RB, Ho RC, Rosenblat JD, Miskowiak KW, Vinberg M, Maletic V, McIntyre RS. Fatigue and cognitive impairment in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun. 2022 Mar;101:93-135. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.020. Epub 2021 Dec 29.
PubMed 34973396
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Phase 2a, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Methylprednisolone Versus Placebo in Patients With Cognitive Deficits in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05986422
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PoCoVIT
- Conditions
- Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
- Keywords
- Long COVID, Cognitive deficits
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- TerminatedReason stopped: Following a recommendation from the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).
- Enrolment
- 96 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Charite University, Berlin, GermanyUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 14 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 19 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This clinical trial aims to learn about the therapeutic value of Methylprednisolone, a well-known immunosuppressant, on cognitive deficits in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) Does Methylprednisolone improve memory function in PCS patients compared to placebo? 2) Does Methylprednisolone improve other patient centered outcomes in PCS patients such as fatigue, mood and quality of life compared to placebo? 3)What are the side effects of Methylprednisolone in this patient population, and how common are they? Participants in this study will be patients with PCS and cognitive deficits, who will be asked to participate for 52 weeks. They will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: One group will receive Methylprednisolone once daily for six weeks, with a dosage reduction after week 4. The other group will receive a matching placebo once daily for six weeks, following the same titration regimen to ensure blinding. Participants will attend outpatient follow-up visits in weeks 8 and 20, with a final telephone follow-up after 52 weeks. Clinical examinations and safety monitoring will be conducted during the treatment phase. This study's results may help develop more effective therapies for this condition.
Detailed description
Around 10-40% of mild COVID-19 patients experience persisting or new symptoms known as post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Neurological symptoms, particularly cognitive deficits and fatigue, are common in PCS, with a higher prevalence in female patients (Boesl et al., 2021; Ceban et al., 2022). The underlying causes of PCS remain unclear, but some evidence suggests autoimmune mechanisms may play a role. Currently, there are no proven treatments for PCS, leading to a need for effective therapies. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the impact of methylprednisolone, a generally well-tolerated and affordable drug, on cognitive deficits in PCS patients with suspected autoimmune involvement.
The objective is to demonstrate improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome treated with Methylprednisolone compared with placebo. Methylprednisolone is a well-known immunosuppressant used for multiple diseases of (suspected) autoimmune etiology.
This is a two-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of Methylprednisolone versus placebo in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) and cognitive deficits. The study spans 52 weeks, and participants will be stratified based on age, sex, and cognitive screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). They will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Methylprednisolone (including a tapering phase) or placebo for 6 weeks, followed by an additional 6 weeks of open treatment phase with Methylprednisolone after a 6-weeks treatment pause. During the study, follow-up visits will be conducted as outpatient visits in weeks 8 and 20, with a final telephone follow-up after 52 weeks. The screening and baseline examinations will involve recording of medical history, checking inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducting clinical examinations. The intervention group will receive approximately 1mg/kg body weight oral Methylprednisolone once daily for 6 weeks, with dosage reduction after week 4. The other group will receive a matching placebo once daily for 6 weeks, following the same titration regimen to maintain blinding. The starting dose for both interventions will be Methylprednisolone at approximately 1 mg/kg body weight or matching placebo once per day. Throughout the treatment phase, all participants will undergo safety and monitoring examinations.
This clinical trial is of significant importance as it has the potential to benefit individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) by exploring the effects of Methylprednisolone on cognitive impairment and fatigue. Additionally, it may provide crucial insights into PCS's pathophysiological processes, leading to the development of more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Methylprednisolone | Active comparator | Drug: MethylprednisoloneTested IMP: Methylprednisolone (film-coated tablet). Authorization status: Not authorized in this targeted therapeutic indication; methylprednisolone is authorized for treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases. The tablets being administered in this trial are an official trade product provided by the marketing authorization holder JenaPharm. Administration: Tablet containing 16 mg/tablet will be administered orally and according to bodyweight groups. Treatment period comprises 6 weeks of blinded daily IMP (investigational medicinal product) intake (verum or placebo) and 6 weeks of unblinded daily intake of Methylprednisolone. The general IMP titration regimen was investigated and proven to be safe in patients with cerebral vasculitis (Schirmer et al., 2020). |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Drug: MethylprednisoloneComparator IMP: Placebo (film-coated tablet). Authorization status: Not authorized. To ensure identical conditions with the verum (Methylprednisolone), we will use placebo tablets of the same color and size in identical tablet packages for both the verum and placebo. Administration: Tablets (7 mm) will be administered orally and according to bodyweight groups. To achieve consistent conditions with the verum, titration will be conducted in a manner similar to the tested IMP (Methylprednisolone). Treatment period comprises 6 weeks of blinded daily IMP intake (placebo or verum) and 6 weeks of unblinded daily intake of Methylprednisolone. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (11 listed)
- History of confirmed (PCR or serology) SARS-CoV-2 infection according to WHO criteria
- Ongoing symptoms of PCS for ≥ 3 months
- Self-reported cognitive deficits at screening
- Male or female adult who is 18 years or older at the time of informed consent
- Subject is willing, understanding and able to provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Any ongoing central nervous system disease
- Any major psychiatric disease within the last 10 years
- Previous medical history of gastric ulcer, osteoporosis and/or previous vertebral fractures, rheumatological disease or metabolic disease including diabetes mellitus
- Ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
- Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding at screening
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| MethylprednisoloneThe treatment period consists of six weeks of daily intake of either Methylprednisolone or placebo (depending on randomization), followed by an additional six weeks of daily intake of open-label Methylprednisolone. During the study, follow-up assessments will be conducted at two points: at week 8 and week 20 from the start of each treatment phase. | Drug | Methylprednisolone, Placebo |
Primary outcome
Improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ)
Time frame: 8 weeks after first IMP intake
The MMQ is a participant-reported measure of memory satisfaction. It consists of three scales measuring separate aspects of metamemory including memory satisfaction, memory ability, and memory strategy. For memory satisfaction, eighteen items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale based on the test taker's experience over the previous two weeks.The score range is 0 to 72, with higher scores indicating a higher degree of satisfaction. A change of 13 points is commonly rated as clinically significant change. In this study, intra-patient change in MMQ subdomain memory satisfaction by ≥15 points from baseline to week 8 will be interpreted as meaningful improvement.
9 secondary outcomes
Long-term improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ)
Time frame: 20 and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in memory ability and memory strategy as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire
Time frame: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in neurocognitive functions as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Time frame: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in neurocognitive functions as measured by the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT)
Time frame: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in quality of life (QoL) as measured by the PROMIS questionnaire
Time frame: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in physical and mental fatigue as measured by the Chalder Fatigue Scale
Time frame: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Severity Score (FSS)
Time frame: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Improvement in mood as measured by the Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II)
Time frame: 8, 20, and 52 weeks after first IMP intake
Difference of occurring AE and SAE comparing Methyprednisolone with placebo (IMP safety).
Time frame: 8 and 20 weeks after first IMP intake
Results and safety
The study was stopped early (reason given: Following a recommendation from the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).). Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33156399Schirmer JH, Aries PM, Balzer K, Berlit P, Bley TA, Buttgereit F, Czihal M, Dechant C, Dejaco C, Garske U, Henes J, Holle JU, Holl-Ulrich K, Lamprecht P, Nolle B, Moosig F, Rech J, Scheuermann K, Schmalzing M, Schmidt WA, Schneider M, Schulze-Koops H, Venhoff N, Villiger PM, Witte T, Zanker M, Hellmich B. [S2k guidelines: management of large-vessel vasculitis]. Z Rheumatol. 2020 Nov;79(Suppl 3):67-95. doi: 10.1007/s00393-020-00893-1. No abstract available. German.
- Background: PubMed 34603189Boesl F, Audebert H, Endres M, Pruss H, Franke C. A Neurological Outpatient Clinic for Patients With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome - A Report on the Clinical Presentations of the First 100 Patients. Front Neurol. 2021 Sep 16;12:738405. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.738405. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 34973396Ceban F, Ling S, Lui LMW, Lee Y, Gill H, Teopiz KM, Rodrigues NB, Subramaniapillai M, Di Vincenzo JD, Cao B, Lin K, Mansur RB, Ho RC, Rosenblat JD, Miskowiak KW, Vinberg M, Maletic V, McIntyre RS. Fatigue and cognitive impairment in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun. 2022 Mar;101:93-135. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.020. Epub 2021 Dec 29.
Related trials for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
Not yet recruitingPhase 1
Phase I Open-Label Safety Trial of Pembrolizumab for Neurological Post- Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PD1-PASC I)
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Recruiting
Whole-body Cryotherapy in Those With Chronic Fatigue: A Feasibility Study
ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia (FM)
Not yet recruitingPhase 3
The Study of Brave-LC LDN Treatment Trial
Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Epigenetic Changes in Long COVID Patients
Long COVID-19 Syndrome, Long COVID Symptoms
Enrolling by invitationPhase 2
Immunotherapy for Neurological Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2
Systemic Inflammation, Neuroinflammation
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Heinrich Audebert, Prof., MD principal investigator
Charite University, Berlin, Germany
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Methylprednisolone in people with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, run by Charite University, Berlin, Germany at 1 site in Germany.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 11 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
The study was stopped early (reason given: Following a recommendation from the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).). Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Improvement in memory satisfaction as measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) (time frame: 8 weeks after first IMP intake). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05986422, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 May 2026.