Impact of COVID-19 disease on clinical research in paediatric and congenital cardiology

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 triggered an unprecedented crisis affecting our society at every level. Clinical research in paediatric and congenital cardiology is currently in full development and may have been disrupted. AIMS: To determine the impact of COVID-19 in paediatric and congenital cardiology clinical research and to analyse decision-making and adaptation processes, from a panel of on-going academic and industry-sponsored research at the time of the pandemic. METHODS: This observational study was carried out in April 2020, from a CHD clinical research network involving five tertiary care paediatric and congenital cardiology centres. Investigators and clinical research assistants from each participating research centre filled in an online survey questionnaire, and each principal investigator underwent a one-hour web-based videoconference interview. RESULTS: From a total of 34 study questionnaires and 288 enrolled patients at the time of the pandemic, 18 studies were declared as totally suspended. Upon investigator's decision, after discussion on ethical issues and with facilitating support from health authorities, 16 studies were resumed. The rate of study suspension in interventional research (53%) was similar to non-interventional research (56%). Logistical problems were predominantly reported in both continued and suspended trials. Research protocols were adapted, largely thanks to telemedicine, which in some cases even improved the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research in paediatric and congenital cardiology has been limited by a rapid adaptation of all research structures and an extensive use of telemedicine at all stages of the studies.