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Clinical characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
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  • Mingjin Yang,
  • Yan Zhang,
  • Yuejun Du,
  • Depeng Jiang
Mingjin Yang
Chengdu Second People's Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Yan Zhang
Chengdu Second People's Hospital
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Yuejun Du
Chengdu Second People's Hospital
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Depeng Jiang
Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital
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Abstract

Background: As of March 31, 2020, about 82,545 COVID-19-infected patients in China have been confirmed. Several observational studies have reported clinical characteristics of pneumonia caused by COVID-19 in China. But there are doubts about the clinical significance of differences reported in the different studies. The objective of this paper is to meta-analyze all available data from observational studies in China to enable an objective reappraisal of the clinical characteristics. Methods: PubMed, CNKI, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. Observational studies were included if they reported information on clinical characteristics of COVID-19-infected pneumonia. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test, with a value ≥ 50% indicating a substantial level of heterogeneity. Results: Pooled results exhibited that the proportion of male (58%) was higher in patients with COVID-19-infected pneumonia. Fever (89%), cough (74%), fatigue (44%), and shortness of breath (31%) were the common clinical manifestations. Cardiovascular disease (8%), endocrine system disease (9%), and digestive system disease (5%) were the common comorbidities. Moreover, hypertension (29%), endocrine system disease (16%), and cardiovascular disease (8%) were the most common comorbidities in severe patients. Acute cardiac injury (5%), ARDS (11%), shock (3%), and AKI (2%) were the common complications. Conclusions: Men may be more susceptible to COVID-19. The people with hypertension and endocrine system disease are more likely to develop severe pneumonia. The most common symptoms are fever and cough. The heart and kidneys may be also important organs for the COVID-19 to attack in addition to the lungs. Most patients have bilateral imaging abnormalities.