JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings of COVID-19 disease are variable. Comparative studies of gender-related differences are limited.

Objective:

This study aims to analyze the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of COVID-19 in Jordan.

Methods:

Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected for 557 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Prince Hamzah Hospital (PHH), Jordan. Analysis was performed using appropriate statistical tests with SPSS version 24.

Results:

Of the 557 COVID-19 PCR-positive cases admitted to PHH, the mean age was 34.4±18.95 (5 weeks to 87 years), 86% were males, 41.4% were blood group A+, and 57% were overweight or obese. Past medical history was documented in 25.9%, surgical history in 12.7%, current smoking in 15.0%, and 0.5% were pregnant. The mean duration of hospitalization was 16.3±9.2 (5 to 70) days. 53% were asymptomatic, 13% had more than 5 symptoms, with generalized malaise and dry cough were the most common symptoms. Only 2.8% had respiratory rate over 25/min and 2% had oxygen saturation below 85%. Laboratory investigations showed a wide range of abnormalities with lymphocytosis, CRP, ESR, and D-Dimer were the most common abnormalities. Ground glass opacity was the most common imaging finding. Male gender had significantly higher frequency of symptoms, smoking, hemoglobin, monocyte%, and creatinine levels, and ICU admissions compared to females (P ˂ 0.05). Hospitalization duration was associated with increased age, male gender, symptoms score, history of smoking, elevated systolic blood pressure, elevated respiratory rate, and elevated monocyte%, CRP, ESR, creatinine, and D-dimer (P ˂ 0.05).

Conclusions:

The majority of COVID-19 cases admitted to PHH were asymptomatic. Variabilities in symptoms, signs, laboratory, and imaging findings should be noted. Increased age, male gender, smoking history, and elevated inflammatory markers were significantly associated with longer duration of hospitalization.