Clinical analysis of 62 patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome

Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and the treatment method of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS).Method A total of 62 clinically diagnosed SARS patients were enrolled.The data reviewed included clinical,laboratory and roentgenologic manifestations.Results Of the 62 patients,36 had closely exposed to SARS patients,7 were dead(case-mortality 11.3%),and 55 were cured.The patients aged 14～68(36±15) years.Clinical symptoms of these patients were fever(98.4%),dyspnea(58.1%),and coughing(85.5%).The laboratory test showed 7 dead patients with leukopenia and lymphopenia.Chest X-ray and CT scanning revealed changes related to pneumonia.In the treatment,cortiscosteroids were used in 61(98.4%)patients,and oxygen used in 54(87.1%).Conclusion A history of close contact,fever,X-ray sign of pneumonia and normal or lowered WBC counts are favorable for the diagnosis of SARS.Close exposure to SARS patients,leukopenia and lymphopenia are correlated with prognosis.The sensitivity to cortiscosteroids,oxygen and comprehensive supportive management are important for decreasing the case-mortality of patients with SARS.