Clinical Findings of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Jiangsu Province, China: A Retrospective, Multi-Center Study

Background: Limited data are available for clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outside of Wuhan. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and identify the risk factors for severe illness of COVID-19 in Jiangsu province, China. Methods: Clinical data of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were retrospectively collected in ten hospitals from nine cities of Jiangsu province, China. Clinical findings of COVID-19 patients were described and risk factors for severe illness of COVID-19 were analyzed. Findings: By Feb 10, 2020, 221 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. The median age of patients was 45.0 years (interquartile range, 33.5–56.0). 60 (27.1%) patients had comorbidities. At onset of illness, the common symptoms were fever (171 [77.4%]) and cough (133 [60.2%]). 68 (30.8%) patients had lymphopenia. 211 (95.5%) patients had abnormal radiological findings. 11 (5.0%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and none of the patients died. 25 (11.3%) patients had severe illness. Severe illness of COVID-19 was independently associated with body mass index (BMI)≥28 kg/m 2 (odds ratio [OR], 5.872; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.595 to 21.621; P=0.008) and a known history of type 2 diabetes (OR, 7.033; 95% CI, 1.908 to 25.921; P=0.003). Interpretation: In this case series in Jiangsu Province, COVID-19 patients have less severe symptoms and have better outcomes than the initial COVID-19 patients in Wuhan. The BMI ≥ 28 kg/m 2 and a known history of type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors of severe illness in patients with COVID-19. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the institutional ethics board of these hospitals, with a waiver of informed consent.