Clinical characters of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Beijing

Objective To study clinical characters of severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS),and provide the experience of diagnosis and treatment in SARS.Methods Retrospective survey was performed on 40 cases confirmed of SARS and 20 cases of suspicious controls.Results Of the 40 patients confirmed of SARS,30 cases ( 75.0% ) had obvious contact history,17 cases( 42.5% ) in household and 12 cases( 30.0% ) in hospital,while the suspicious 20 cases had no contact history.Clinical features of the SARS ones were fever(100%),cough,sputum,diarrhea,myalgia,headache,leukopenia,lymphopenia,thrombocytopenia,increased aminotransferase,hypoalbumin and hyperglobulin.Blood gas analysis showed PaO 290 mm Hg in 31 cases ( 77.5% ) and SaO 297% in 37 cases ( 92.5% ).Chest radiograph showed unilateral focus in 20 cases ( 50.% ) and bilateral focus in 20 cases ( 50.0% ).14 patients ( 35.0% ) were administered one kind of antibiotic while 26 patients ( 65.0% ) were adminiserted two kinds.33 patients ( 82.5% ) received ribavirin.23 patients ( 57.5% ) were given corticosteroid.3 patients ( 7.5% ) required BiPAP assisted ventilation.One SARS patient died.There was significant difference in frequencies of epidemiology,pressure of blood oxygen,oxygen saturation of blood,X ray of chest.Conclusion SARS is a contagious disease,such as spreading in household and health care settings.Epidemiology,pressure of blood oxygen,oxygen saturation of blood,X ray of chest were most important in diagnosis.