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Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms Initial of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective Review of Study
28 Pages Posted: 1 Apr 2020
More...Abstract
Background: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms only.
Methods: We evaluate all confirmed cases of COVID-19 by throat-swab sputum real-time reverse transcription polymerase-chain-reaction in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 10 and February 29, 2020. We divided these patients into two groups: patients with gastrointestinal symptoms only (group A, n=183); and patients with respiratory syndrome and/or fever (group B, n=1228). We analysed the clinical characteristics, radiological features and laboratory data, and clinical outcomes were followed up until March 1, 2020.
Findings: There were no significant differences in baseline and epidemiological characteristics, laboratory indicators, or lung computed tomography findings between the two groups. In both groups, mean leukocyte count (2·7±0·2 vs 2·5±0·4, p=0·354) and lymphocyte count (0·53±0·014 vs 0·62±0·23, p=0.386) were below normal and C-reactive protein level was elevated (18·7±6·8, 21·5±7·1, p=0·412). There was mild liver function injury (aspartate aminotransferase, 65·8±12·7 vs 67·4±9·3U/L, p=0·246; alanine aminotransferase, 66·4±13·2 vs 69·6±12·7U/L, p=0·352), but renal function was near normal (blood urea nitrogen, 6·4±2·5 vs 5·6±2·8 p=0·358; creatinine, 85·7±37·2 vs 91·2±32·6, p=0·297). 7 and 59 patients manifested rapid progression and died, 176 and 1169 were stable and alive in group A and group B, respectivey. The survival rate did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0·313).
Interpretation: The symptoms of COVID-19 patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms only were confusing, but they presented with similar clinical progress and prognosis.
Funding Statement: Key Project of Preventing and Controlling New Coronavirus Technology and Integrated Application Projects, Department of Science and Technology, Guizhou Province, China [2020]4Y002.
Declaration of Interests: None.
Ethics Approval Statement: This was a retrospective, single-centre study, approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. We obtained written consent from the patients.
Keywords: COVID-19; pneumonia; gastrointestinal symptoms
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation