ABSTRACT
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a huge threat to human health. However, little is known regarding the risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity. We aimed to explore early-stage disease risk factors associated with eventual disease severity. Methods: This study enrolled 486 hospitalized, non-intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted adult patients with COVID-19 (age ≥ 18 years) treated at Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, who were divided into three groups according to disease severity. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data at admission and clinical outcomes were compared among severity groups, and the risk factors for disease severity were identified by multiple regression analysis. Results: Of 486 patients with COVID-19, 405 (83.33%) were discharged, 33 (6.71%) died outside of the ICU, and 48 (7.20%) were still being treated in the ICU by the time the study period ended. Significant differences in age, lymphocyte counts, and the levels of procalcitonin, aspartate aminotransferase, and D-dimer (P < 0.001 for all) among the three groups. Further analysis showed that older age, decreased lymphocyte counts, and increased procalcitonin, aspartate aminotransferase, and D-dimer levels were significantly associated with disease progression. Conclusion: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may impair the immune system, the blood coagulation system, and hepatic and cardiac function. Some clinical characteristics and laboratory findings can help identify patients with a high risk of disease severity, which can be significant for appropriate resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic has swept all over the world, posing a great pressure on critical care resources due to large number of patients needing critical care. Statements from front-line experts in the field of intensive care are urgently needed. METHODS: Sixteen front-line experts in China fighting against the COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan were organized to develop an expert statement after 5 rounds of expert seminars and discussions to provide trustworthy recommendation on the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Each expert was assigned tasks within their field of expertise to provide draft statements and rationale. Parts of the expert statement are based on epidemiological and clinical evidence, without available scientific evidences. RESULTS: A comprehensive document with 46 statements are presented, including protection of medical personnel, etiological treatment, diagnosis and treatment of tissue and organ functional impairment, psychological interventions, immunity therapy, nutritional support, and transportation of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Among them, 5 recommendations were strong (Grade 1), 21 were weak (Grade 2), and 20 were experts' opinions. A strong agreement from voting participants was obtained for all recommendations. CONCLUSION: There are still no targeted therapies for COVID-19 patients. Dynamic monitoring and supportive treatment for the restoration of tissue vascularization and organ function are particularly important.