Latest RECOVER-AUTONOMIC clinical trial results shared at 2026 AHA Scientific Sessions, AAS International Symposium
RECOVER researchers shared results from the RECOVER-AUTONOMIC (IVIG) clinical trial ahead of their publication in an upcoming journal article.
Gamunex-C, a form of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) that contains antibodies to help the body protect itself against infection from various diseases, does not have a significant impact on symptoms of severe postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) following COVID-19, according to results from the clinical trial RECOVER-AUTONOMIC (IVIG). Coordinated non-drug care also does not have a significant impact on helping to manage Long COVID symptoms.
These findings were shared by researchers of the NIH-funded RECOVER Initiative at 2 conferences in November 2026. The RECOVER-AUTONOMIC (IVIG) clinical trial results on coordinated non-drug care were shared at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions on November 9, 2026. Results about IVIG and coordinated non-drug care were presented at the American Autonomic Society’s 37th International Symposium on November 12, 2026.
RECOVER-AUTONOMIC Severe POTS (IVIG) is one of 2 RECOVER clinical trials testing possible treatments in adults who have POTS as part of their Long COVID symptoms. An autonomic nervous system disorder, POTS is characterized by unexpectedly fast heart rate (without a significant drop in blood pressure) that occurs within 10 minutes of standing up from sitting or lying down. POTS symptoms can also include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, pain, weakness in the legs, or a combination of these symptoms, which can make it challenging to manage everyday responsibilities.
This study included 200 adults with severe Long COVID POTS (people who have Long COVID and diagnosed POTS) from across the United States. Study participants were randomly assigned to receive either IVIG or a saline placebo (an infusion that is designed to look like the drug but does not have the drug’s effect) for 3 months, plus 3 months of follow up. Intravenous infusions are a common way for healthcare providers to give fluids, medicines, or nutrients to their patients.
Participants were also assigned to receive either coordinated care or usual care for 3 months. The group assigned to usual care received the healthcare they would normally receive, such as general recommendations for fluids, salt, compression garments, counter-pressure maneuvers, and activity. Coordinated care included the same guidance as usual care, along with regular check-ins with a care coordinator, individualized feedback and motivational support, a home blood pressure monitor, wearable activity tracker and under-desk exercise bicycle with activity guidance.
Participant surveys showed that treatment with IVIG did not provide additional benefit compared with placebo for POTS symptoms in adults with severe Long COVID POTS. Participants in both groups improved over time, but researchers still want to better understand what may have contributed to this improvement. Participants who received coordinated care did not show more improvement in their POTS symptoms than those who received usual care. However, participants who received coordinated care were more likely to complete the full study than the usual care group.
More details about these results will be shared in an upcoming journal article.