Objective: To analyze the clinical features and therapy experience of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Methods: From December 2002 to April 2003 in Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, 38 patients with severe SARS were retrospectively studied to evaluate the relationship between treatment strategy and prognosis.
Results: Thirty-eight cases of severe SARS were diagnosed. Comprehensive measures most commonly included corticosteroids, antibiotics, antivirotics, nutritional support and mechanical ventilation. Thirty cases were cured (78.9%), of them 11 cases had pulmonary fibrosis (36.7%), 8 patients died (21.1%) in all cases.
Conclusion: Severe SARS might develop rapidly. In addition to early diagnosis, prompt isolation, and emergency therapy, appropriate use of corticosteroid and noninvasive ventilation should be recommended.