Assessing risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients presenting with symptoms in Shanghai, China: a multicentre, observational cohort study
Bei Mao, Yang Liu, Yan-Hua Chai, Xiaoyan Jin, Hai‐Wen Lu, Jia‐Wei Yang, Xiwen Gao, Xiaolian Song, Hong Bao, An Wang, Wenchao Gu, Lei Zhao, Pan Jie-ping, Li Fan, Tie-Feng Zhang, Yechang Qian, Chunling Du, Wei Ding, Chunlin Tu, De-Jie Chu, Chun Li, Ling Ye, Yong Luo, Cuixia Zheng, Ronghuan Yu, Zhongmin Qiu, Huifang Cao, Jiawei Ren, Jingya Zhao, Changhui Wang, Hongzhou Lu, Jun Li, Yang Hu, Shuo Liang, Zhijun Jie, Jieming Qu, Jin‐Fu Xu
Abstract
Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to international concern. We aimed to establish an effective screening strategy in Shanghai, China, to aid early identification of patients with COVID-19. Methods: We did a multicentre, observational cohort study in fever clinics of 25 hospitals in 16 districts of Shanghai. All patients visiting the clinics within the study period were included. A strategy for COVID-19 screening was presented and then suspected cases were monitored and analysed until they were confirmed as cases or excluded. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of COVID-19. Findings: per L (OR 1·82, 1·00-3·31; p=0·049), ground glass opacity (OR 1·95, 1·32-2·89; p=0·0009), and having both lungs affected (OR 1·54, 1·04-2·28; p=0·032) were independent risk factors for confirmed COVID-19. Interpretation: The screening strategy was effective for confirming or excluding COVID-19 during the spread of this contagious disease. Relevant independent risk factors identified in this study might be helpful for early recognition of the disease. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China.