[Retrospective Analysis of Neurological Symptoms of Severe/Critical COVID-19 Patients in Sichuan Province]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the symptoms and characteristics of nervous system damage in severe/critically severe patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Sichuan province, with a view to providing basic references for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Methods: A total of 90 patients with severe/critically severe COVID-19 were included, who were diagnosed and treated in COVID-19 designated hospital of Sichuan province from 11 January 2020 to 20 March 2020. Clinical features, test results, treatment options and clinical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Of 90 patients, there were 54 males and 36 females, with an average age of (53.90±16.92) years. In addition to the classic symptoms such as fever and/or respiratory symptoms, 53 patients also had various degrees of neurologic manifestations, including 33 cases of fatigue, 21 muscle soreness, 12 dizziness, 8 headaches, 3 mental disorders, and 1 consciousness disorders and 1 case of neck pain. Compared with the patients without neurologic manifestations, those with neurologic manifestations took a longer time from admission to diagnosis of COVID-19 ( P<0.05), and received more antifungal treatment ( P<0.05).

Conclusions: Neurological symptoms are not uncommon in severe/critically severe patients with COVID-19, and it's relatively difficult in the treatment. It should be paid attention in order to avoid misdiagnosis.