Research on ttae estimation of the fatality rate of SARS / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To estimate the fatality rate of SARS so as to provide data for the evaluation of patient care. Methods Based on the clinical features of the death cases of SARS, the average period between the time of clinical diagnosis and the time of death was determined and a method of estimation, which was lagged in time, was thus developed. Differences in the fatality rates of SARS across the world as well as the patterns of the differences were discussed using Chi-square and trend Chi-square tests. Results The fatality rate of SARS in Beijing, which presented a progressively downward tendency, was 7.2% by June 5, 2003, ranking relatively high among the SARS-hit zones in China. Conclusion Certain achievements have been attained in the clinical treatment of SARS cases, and yet more efforts need to be exerted. It is estimated that the eventual fatality rate of SARS in Beijing will be around 8%.