A comparative analysis of clinical characteristics in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between Wuhan and Zhoushan, China

Background: We aimed to identify any differences in the clinical characteristics of patients treated in Zhoushan Hospital and Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Gutian campus to provide insights into measures to better control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and treat COVID-19 patients. Methods: All cases included in this retrospective study from January 10, 2020 to March 15, 2020 were confirmed by laboratory detection of SARS-CoV-2. Data of epidemiological characteristics, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records and compared between the patient groups. Results: A correlation analysis was performed to detect correlations between the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and other laboratory findings. COVID-19 patients treated in Wuhan more commonly had fever and shortness of breath, and less commonly had headache compared to those treated in Zhoushan (P=0.002, 0.039, and 0.015, respectively). The period from illness onset to hospitalization in Wuhan was 11.7 +/- 7.2 days, which was longer than that in Zhoushan (4.2 +/- 3.7 days; P=0.002), whereas the period from illness onset to shortness of breath in Wuhan was 5.4 +/- 5.0 days, which was shorter than that in Zhoushan (14.0 +/- 5.6 days; P=0.020). Computed tomography scans showed linear opacities, reticulation, and patchy shadows more commonly in cases treated in Wuhan (P=0.016, 0.013, and 0.008, respectively). The mean CRP level in Zhoushan patients was lower than that in Wuhan patients (P<0.001), and the CRP level was correlated with several laboratory findings related to the immune response. Conclusions: COVID-19 patients treated at Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Gutian campus had more severe symptoms than those treated at Zhoushan Hospital. Earlier in-hospital treatment, as conducted in Zhoushan, may be beneficial in reducing the severity of illness in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the correlations between the CRP level and indicators of immune function in COVID-19 patients warrant further investigation.