Comparison of outcomes of patients with COVID-19 with primary pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the largest and most severe epidemic since the 1918 flu, and its emergence has created unprecedented challenges to public health. Clinical manifestations in patients are very diverse, and can range from asymptomatic disease to severe illness with death. The main purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with Covid-19 with early pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms in patients admitted to hospitals in Qazvin City, Iran. Methods: This was a retrospective study with 300 samples, performed after obtaining ethics license and obtaining patient consent. The samples were selected using purposive method. Confirmation of COVID-19 was done due to having a lung scan confirmed by an internal medicine or infectious disease specialist, as well as having a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Exclusion criteria also included pregnancy. Findings: The group of patients presented with early pulmonary symptoms were significantly different from the other two groups in terms of mortality, intensive care unit, intubation and hospitalization (P < 0.050). Conclusion: Patients presenting with early pulmonary symptoms should be given priority in hospitalization. © 2021 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.