Frontiers in Public Health (Nov 2022)

Comparison of clinical characteristics between COVID-19 and H7N9 fatal cases: An observational study

  • Hui Jiang,
  • Hui Jiang,
  • Fangchao Liu,
  • Fangchao Liu,
  • Ta-Chien Chan,
  • Jinfeng Yin,
  • Jinfeng Yin,
  • Ruowen Huang,
  • Li Shen,
  • Shengjin Tu,
  • Liang Kang,
  • Wen Liu,
  • Na Zhao,
  • Di Zhang,
  • Di Zhang,
  • Wangli Xu,
  • Weimin Li,
  • Weimin Li,
  • Shelan Liu,
  • Chaolin Huang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1047362
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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ObjectiveThe outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 is reminiscent of the H7N9 outbreak in 2013, which poses a huge threat to human health. We aim to compare clinical features and survival factors in fatal cases of COVID-19 and H7N9.MethodsData on confirmed COVID-19 and H7N9 fatal cases identified in mainland China were analyzed to compare demographic characteristics and clinical severity. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests and a restricted mean survival time model. A Cox regression model was used to identify survival factors in fatal cases of COVID-19 and H7N9.ResultsSimilar demographic characteristics were observed in fatal cases of COVID-19 and H7N9. The proportion of fatal cases of H7N9 receiving antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and oxygen treatment was higher than that of COVID-19. The potential protective factors for fatal COVID-19 cases were receiving antibiotics (HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22–0.61), oxygen treatment (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44–0.99), and corticosteroids (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.35–0.62). In contrast, antiviral drugs (HR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08–0.56) and corticosteroids (HR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.29–0.69) were the protective factors for H7N9 fatal cases.ConclusionThe proportion of males, those having one or more underlying medical condition, and older age was high in COVID-19 and H7N9 fatal cases. Offering antibiotics, oxygen treatment, and corticosteroids to COVID-19 cases extended the survival time. Continued global surveillance remains an essential component of pandemic preparedness.

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