Long COVIDSTAR-CONCT07374562
Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
A study testing Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine) in people with Long COVID, run by Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
This single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial evaluates whether a stellate ganglion block (SGB) using bupivacaine can improve persistent symptoms in adults with long COVID. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Long COVID
- What is being tested?
- Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine)
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 5 Feb 2026to Feb 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- Positive COVID-19 test confirmed by RT-PCR, antibody test, or antigen test at least 3 months prior to randomization, OR presumed COVID-19 evaluated by the site investigator (no positive test required) with an acute illness occurring after October 15, 2019 and at least 3 months prior to randomization.
- Persistent symptoms ≥12 weeks after onset of acute COVID-19 AND symptoms lasting at least 2 months. The onset date is defined as the earliest of: date of first positive test, date of first symptoms
- Post-COVID Functional Status Scale score ≥2.
- Persistent dyspnea ≥2/4 on the mMRC scale at least 12 weeks post-infection.
- Persistent COVID-19-related symptoms at the time of randomization.
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- If taking medications for fatigue or cognition (e.g., sildenafil, modafinil, armodafinil, guanfacine, N-acetylcysteine, stimulants for ADHD), these must have been initiated and stable for ≥4 weeks prior to randomization. Participants are asked not to stop or alter these medications during the study if possible.
- Able and willing to provide written informed consent.
- Able to read and understand French.
Who cannot join
- Prior diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or fibromyalgia
- Being on sick leave or disability at the time of the original acute COVID-19 infection.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Myocardial infarction within the last 12 weeks.
- Use of anticoagulant therapy.
- Glaucoma.
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- Emphysema requiring home oxygen.
- Cardiac conduction abnormalities.
- Known hypersensitivity to bupivacaine.
- Previous stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedure.
- Any condition that, in the judgment of the medical investigator, makes the patient not a candidate for the proposed treatment.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Marie-Claude Lehoux, Master's degree contact
Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire régional
Trois-Rivières, Quebec, G8Z 3R9
Marie-Claude Lehoux, Master's degree, 819 697-3333 ext. 60753, marie-claude.lehoux@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Éva Mathieu, Ph.D, 819-697-3333 ext. 60756, eva.mathieu@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
About this study
Official title: Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment on Long COVID Symptoms: A Single-Blind, Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial (STAR-CO)
This single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial evaluates whether a stellate ganglion block (SGB) using bupivacaine can improve persistent symptoms in adults with long COVID. Participants are assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either an ultrasound-guided right-sided SGB or a placebo saline injection delivered to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After the intervention, participants are followed for 26 weeks with scheduled evaluations that include symptom questionnaires and functional tests.
The study assesses changes in functional status, fatigue, cognitive complaints, quality of life, dyspnea, lower-limb endurance, and orthostatic tolerance over time. Safety is monitored throughout all follow-up visits. Approximately 40 participants meeting predefined eligibility criteria will be enrolled. This trial seeks to determine whether a single stellate ganglion block has an effect on persistent long-COVID symptoms compared with placebo.The results will help determine the therapeutic value of SGB in the management of long COVID and inform future research and clinical practice.
- Conditions
- Long COVID
- Being tested
- Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine), placebo saline injection
- Keywords
- Long COVID, Stellate Ganglion Block, Bupivacaine
- Medical subject headings
- Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine)Procedure or surgery
A single ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block is administered on the right side of the neck under sterile conditions by an anesthesiologist. The needle is positioned between the longus colli muscle and the right carotid artery, and 7 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine is injected. Correct placement is verified by ultrasound and confirmed clinically by the expected appearance of Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome following the injection. Participants are observed for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
placebo saline injectionProcedure or surgery
A single placebo injection of 6-8 mL of 0.9% normal saline is administered into the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. The procedure uses the same patient positioning, sterile preparation, and ultrasound guidance as the active arm; however, the needle is intentionally placed in the muscle, away from the stellate ganglion, and does not produce a stellate ganglion block (i.e., cannot cause Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Stellate Ganglion Block with Bupivacaine | Experimental | Participant receives a right-sided stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance, using bupivacaine, performed by an anesthesiologist. Receives: Procedure: Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine) |
| Placebo Neck Injection | Placebo comparator | Participant receives a saline injection into the sternocleidomastoid muscle under the same conditions. Receives: Procedure: placebo saline injection |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS)
The PCFS measures limitations in daily functioning related to persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms. Scores range from 0 (no functional limitation) to 4 (severe functional limitation). Assesses changes in functional status over time.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
The FSS is a validated 9-item questionnaire assessing the impact of fatigue on daily activities, motivation, and functioning. Each item is scored from 1 to 7; higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity. Clinically significant change is defined as ≥0.45 points.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Brain Fog Scale (BFS)
The BFS is a 23-item questionnaire evaluating cognitive symptoms associated with Long COVID, including mental fatigue, cognitive clarity, logical thinking, and concentration. Total scores range from 0 to 92, with higher scores indicating more severe cognitive impairment.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Secondary outcomes (4)
Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36)
The SF-36 is a validated 36-item questionnaire assessing eight domains of health-related quality of life, including physical functioning, limitations due to physical or emotional problems, pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Higher scores reflect better perceived health and functioning.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Dyspnea Severity (mMRC Scale)
The modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale is a 0-4 grading system that assesses the degree to which breathlessness limits daily activities. Higher grades indicate greater functional limitation due to dyspnea. It is the only validated French-language scale measuring dyspnea in daily activities.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Lower-Limb Muscle Endurance (1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test)
The 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1STST) measures lower-limb muscular endurance by counting the number of sit-to-stand repetitions a participant completes in one minute from a standard chair without armrests. It is reliable, sensitive, and well-tolerated in populations with impaired physical capacity. Higher counts indicate better endurance.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Orthostatic Intolerance (NASA Lean Test)
The NASA Lean Test assesses orthostatic intolerance by measuring heart rate and blood pressure changes during 10 minutes of standing with the back supported against a wall. Results help identify symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or light-headedness related to positional changes. If a participant cannot complete 10 minutes, the test is still considered valid.
Measured: 4 weeks after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jan 2026
- Study start5 Feb 2026
- Primary completionFeb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionFeb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Long COVIDStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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 N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Marie-Claude Lehoux, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07374562
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026-898
- Other IDs
- 1028
- Acronym
- STAR-CO
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment on Long COVID Symptoms: A Single-Blind, Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial (STAR-CO)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07374562
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STAR-CO / 2026-898
- Conditions
- Long COVID
- Keywords
- Long COVID, Stellate Ganglion Block, Bupivacaine
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-QuébecUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Jan 2026 (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 single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial evaluates whether a stellate ganglion block (SGB) using bupivacaine can improve persistent symptoms in adults with long COVID. Participants are assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either an ultrasound-guided right-sided SGB or a placebo saline injection delivered to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After the intervention, participants are followed for 26 weeks with scheduled evaluations that include symptom questionnaires and functional tests.
The study assesses changes in functional status, fatigue, cognitive complaints, quality of life, dyspnea, lower-limb endurance, and orthostatic tolerance over time. Safety is monitored throughout all follow-up visits. Approximately 40 participants meeting predefined eligibility criteria will be enrolled. This trial seeks to determine whether a single stellate ganglion block has an effect on persistent long-COVID symptoms compared with placebo.The results will help determine the therapeutic value of SGB in the management of long COVID and inform future research and clinical practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Stellate Ganglion Block with Bupivacaine | Experimental | Procedure: Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine)Participant receives a right-sided stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance, using bupivacaine, performed by an anesthesiologist. |
| Placebo Neck Injection | Placebo comparator | Procedure: placebo saline injectionParticipant receives a saline injection into the sternocleidomastoid muscle under the same conditions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- Positive COVID-19 test confirmed by RT-PCR, antibody test, or antigen test at least 3 months prior to randomization, OR presumed COVID-19 evaluated by the site investigator (no positive test required) with an acute illness occurring after October 15, 2019 and at least 3 months prior to randomization.
- Persistent symptoms ≥12 weeks after onset of acute COVID-19 AND symptoms lasting at least 2 months. The onset date is defined as the earliest of: date of first positive test, date of first symptoms
- Post-COVID Functional Status Scale score ≥2.
- Persistent dyspnea ≥2/4 on the mMRC scale at least 12 weeks post-infection.
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Prior diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or fibromyalgia
- Being on sick leave or disability at the time of the original acute COVID-19 infection.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Myocardial infarction within the last 12 weeks.
- Use of anticoagulant therapy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine)A single ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block is administered on the right side of the neck under sterile conditions by an anesthesiologist. The needle is positioned between the longus colli muscle and the right carotid artery, and 7 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine is injected. Correct placement is verified by ultrasound and confirmed clinically by the expected appearance of Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome following the injection. Participants are observed for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure. | Procedure or surgery | Stellate Ganglion Block with Bupivacaine |
| placebo saline injectionA single placebo injection of 6-8 mL of 0.9% normal saline is administered into the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. The procedure uses the same patient positioning, sterile preparation, and ultrasound guidance as the active arm; however, the needle is intentionally placed in the muscle, away from the stellate ganglion, and does not produce a stellate ganglion block (i.e., cannot cause Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome). | Procedure or surgery | Placebo Neck Injection |
Primary outcome
Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
The PCFS measures limitations in daily functioning related to persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms. Scores range from 0 (no functional limitation) to 4 (severe functional limitation). Assesses changes in functional status over time.
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
The FSS is a validated 9-item questionnaire assessing the impact of fatigue on daily activities, motivation, and functioning. Each item is scored from 1 to 7; higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity. Clinically significant change is defined as ≥0.45 points.
Brain Fog Scale (BFS)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
The BFS is a 23-item questionnaire evaluating cognitive symptoms associated with Long COVID, including mental fatigue, cognitive clarity, logical thinking, and concentration. Total scores range from 0 to 92, with higher scores indicating more severe cognitive impairment.
4 secondary outcomes
Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
Dyspnea Severity (mMRC Scale)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
Lower-Limb Muscle Endurance (1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
Orthostatic Intolerance (NASA Lean Test)
Time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Long COVID
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.
Marie-Claude Lehoux, Master's degree contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine) in people with Long COVID, run by Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec at 1 site in Canada.
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 9 inclusion and 11 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Feb 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 Canada. 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.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Marie-Claude Lehoux, Master's degree (819 697-3333 ext. 60753, marie-claude.lehoux@ssss.gouv.qc.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS) (time frame: 4 weeks after the intervention). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 9 Feb 2026.