Prevalence of GIT Symptoms in Patients of Covid 19

Abstract

Abstract Background In December 2019, a cluster of patients with pneumonia of undetermined etiology was recognized in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Subsequently, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified from lower respiratory tract samples obtained from affected patients. The clinical manifestation of COVID-19 is broad and ranges from asymptomatic and mild upper respiratory tract symptoms to severe illnesses with multiorgan failure and death. Furthermore, it is challenging to predict the clinical course or determine patients at risk of deterioration. Aim of the Work The aim of our study was to assess prevalence of GIT symptoms in patients of covid 19 infected patients Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 100 adult covid 19 patients recently diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients were submitted to clinical examination, laboratory testing for ESR, CRP, CBC, and D-dimer. Radiological investigations in the form of CT Chest were be reported by radiologist for all patients. High resolution computed tomography Parenchymal abnormalities on HRCT were assessed. Nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected for COVID-19 (PCR) test. All patients received Covid-19 treatment according to protocols of WHO and ministry of health and population, Egypt. Results We found that GI symptoms are prevalent among COVID-19 Egyptian patients (64%). The most common GI symptoms were Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. We observed that 25 patients (25%) had positive viral RNA in rectal swab. Conclusion Severe COVID-19 was more frequent in older age. Dyspnea and increased respiratory rate were associated with severity of covid 19 infection. Increased CRP and high serum levels of ferritin, d-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity.