Clinical characteristics of 77 COVID-19 cases imported from abroad

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) imported from abroad in Pudong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University so as to provide evidence for epidemic prevention and control of COVID-19. Methods: We extracted data regarding 77 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Pudong Hospital from Mar 14 to Jul 3, 2020.We then collected and analyzed their epidemic history, blood routine, C-reactive protein (CRP) and chest CT. Results: About 63.64%(49/77) of the confirmed cases showed characteristics of clustering onset, with migrant workers accounting for a large proportion (54.55%, 42/77), whom living in groups;followed by overseas students (25.97%, 20/77), most of whom lived in separate rooms.There were 54 males and 23 females, aged from 14 to 62 years old.Among them, 18.18%(14/77)were asymptomatic, 36.36% (28/77) had fever and 75.32%(58/77) had dry cough, sore throat, runny nose and other respiratory tract infection symptoms;and a few had chest tightness, fatigue, diarrhea and other symptoms.White blood cell counts were normal in 65 cases, decreased in 4 cases, increased in 8 cases;Lymphocyte absolute counts were all in the normal range and eosinophil absolute counts were decreased in 67 cases, and mononuclear cell absolute counts were increased in 35 cases.CRP was increased in 16 cases, and normal in 61 cases. CT scan of the chest revealed that 50 patients had different degrees of pulmonary abnormalities, and 27 had no abnormalities.There were 27 mild type cases, 50 common type cases, and no severe or critical type. Conclusion: COVID-19 imported from abroad has epidemiological history.Crowded living conditions are a risk factor for the increased incidence of COVID-19.Some of them were asymptomatic or mild type, and most of them were common type.Laboratory examination showed no obvious abnormalities, and chest CT imaging showed various manifestations.To avoid missed diagnosis, overall consideration of the epidemiological history, symptoms, laboratory examination and imaging is needed, so as to achieve early detection, early treatment and early control for imported COVID-19. © 2020, Editorial Department of Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences. All right reserved.