Epidemiological and clinical characteristics analysis of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) and provide evidence for the discovery and management of COVID-19 cases in these types. Methods: A retrospective observation on the severe or critical COVID-19 cases in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University was made from January 2020 to February 2020. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Forty severe cases and 10 critical cases were included, and most cases came from Wuchang District of Wuhan City. 90% of them were familial clustering. The average age was 57.6 years old. The average length of stay was 17 days. The main clinical manifestations were fever (100%) and cough (90%). The majority of laboratory examinations showed normal white blood cells (72%), decreased lymphocytes (30%), increased inflammatory factors (73.9%), accompanied by liver and kidney dysfunction (10% and 14%) and decreased cellular immune function (42.3% and 37.8%). 44% of the patients had moderate or severe hypoxemia at the time of admission and need high-flow nasal cannula, noninvasive ventilation or even mechanic ventilation. Conclusion: The main symptoms of severe and critical COVID-2019 are fever and cough, and increased inflammation and immune function suppression are common. Hypoxemia is severe, and these patients need higher respiratory support technology. © 2020, Editorial Board of Medical Journal of Wuhan University. All right reserved.