The WHO Global Clinical Platform forms to support the case management of viral haemorrhagic fever 

Background

Viral haemorrhagic fever encompasses several related diseases caused by different families of viruses. Among them are filovirus diseases like Ebola virus disease, Sudan virus disease, and Marburg hemorrhagic fever, in addition to diseases caused by other viruses such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and Lassa fever.

Common characteristics of these diseases include the presentation of febrile illness in infected humans, with bleeding often occurring in the later stages. However, despite ongoing research efforts, our understanding of the natural history of viral haemorrhagic fevers, their clinical features, risk factors for severe disease, and outcomes remains incomplete.

To bridge this knowledge gap and respond effectively to outbreaks, viral haemorrhagic fevers have been included within the WHO global clinical platform. This inclusion aims to enhance our understanding of these diseases and facilitate rapid deployment of measures during outbreaks.

Significant advancements have been made in developing specific treatments for Ebola virus disease, thanks to meticulous research efforts. Additionally, ongoing research is also being conducted for other viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) diseases. During outbreaks, this research may involve the emergency use of unproven therapeutics (MEURI) to address immediate medical needs.

To maximize our understanding during emergency use, the platform facilitating these research endeavours emphasizes the collection of valuable data. This approach allows us to gather as much relevant information as possible, even in the midst of urgent situations, thereby contributing to our knowledge and potential solutions for VHF diseases.

Purpose

The WHO Global Clinical Platform aims to understand the clinical features, prognostic factors and outcomes rom viral hemorrhagic fever, focussing on filovirus infection.

Overall objectives:

1. To describe the clinical characteristics of patients admitted to hospital with viral haemorrhagic fevers, including specific subpopulations including children, pregnant people, and individuals with other comorbid disease.
2. To record the use of interventions within the MEURI framework, including patient outcomes and sufficient data to contextualize them.
3. To explore the determinants of patient outcomes, for example death and complications of kidney failure.

Data ownership and collection

Our collaborators maintain ownership of their data and have direct access to it.

Data contributed to the platform helps WHO to support member states in understanding the health problems from national and international perspectives. Health care facilities/collaborators around the word have contributed clinical data to the WHO Clinical Data Platform. The WHO would like to extend sincere thanks to all the contributing facilities and collaborators.

How to contribute data

You may contribute data from your facility, research group or other source of health data, provided you have the appropriate local permissions to do so.

Data sources for the platform

1. Direct entry into the electronic WHO Platform using data forms (REDCap)
2. Sharing established databases, for example from research collaboration.
   

Steps to contribute to the platform

1. Review the terms of use of the platform
2. Create your profile by registering here
3. After a few days, you will receive an email with the login credentials to access the WHO Platform, or, if you are sharing an established database, additional instructions to contribute data.

For any additional questions, please contact: global_clinical_platform@who.int