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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Clinical Features of 69 Cases With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China
Zhongliang Wang1, Bohan Yang2, Qianwen Li1
1Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Insights
The initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan showed common symptoms like fever and cough, with a 7.5% mortality rate. Older patients with comorbidities faced higher risks, but Arbidol treatment may improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a significant outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, starting in December 2019.
- Clinical data on COVID-19 patients were urgently needed to understand disease progression and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 69 patients hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between January 16 and January 29, 2020.
- Analysis of patient demographics, symptoms, treatments, and clinical outcomes, including mortality and discharge rates.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with different oxygen saturation levels (SpO2 ≥ 90% vs. SpO2 < 90%).
Main Results:
- The median age of patients was 42.0 years, with fever (87%), cough (55%), and fatigue (42%) being the most common symptoms.
- The overall mortality rate was 7.5% (5 out of 67 patients).
- Patients with SpO2 < 90% were older, had more comorbidities, and higher levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10, LDH, CRP) compared to those with SpO2 ≥ 90%. All deaths occurred in the SpO2 < 90% group.
- Arbidol treatment showed a trend towards improving discharge rates and reducing mortality.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 commonly presents with fever, dry cough, and elevated inflammatory cytokines.
- Older age and the presence of comorbidities are significant risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients.
- Lower oxygen saturation (SpO2 < 90%) is associated with increased severity and mortality, highlighting the importance of monitoring respiratory function.
Background:
From December 2019 to February 2020, 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a serious outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China. Related clinical features are needed.
Methods:
We reviewed 69 patients who were hospitalized in Union hospital in Wuhan between 16 January and 29 January 2020. All patients were confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the final date of follow-up was 4 February 2020.
Results:
The median age of 69 enrolled patients was 42.0 years (interquartile range 35.0-62.0), and 32 patients (46%) were men. The most common symptoms were fever (60 [87%]), cough (38 [55%]), and fatigue (29 [42%]). Most patients received antiviral therapy (66 [98.5%] of 67 patients) and antibiotic therapy (66 [98.5%] of 67 patients). As of 4 February 2020, 18 (26.9%) of 67 patients had been discharged, and 5 patients had died, with a mortality rate of 7.5%. According to the lowest SpO2 during admission, cases were divided into the SpO2 ≥ 90% group (n = 55) and the SpO2 < 90% group (n = 14). All 5 deaths occurred in the SpO2 < 90% group. Compared with SpO2 ≥ 90% group, patients of the SpO2 < 90% group were older and showed more comorbidities and higher plasma levels of interleukin (IL) 6, IL10, lactate dehydrogenase, and C reactive protein. Arbidol treatment showed tendency to improve the discharging rate and decrease the mortality rate.
Conclusions:
COVID-19 appears to show frequent fever, dry cough, and increase of inflammatory cytokines, and induced a mortality rate of 7.5%. Older patients or those with underlying comorbidities are at higher risk of death.
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