Clinical Characteristics of Non-Pneumonia COVID-19 Adults in Shanghai, China

Background: Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread throughout the whole world , data have been needed on the clinical characteristics of the affected patients.Objectives: A total of 579 adult COVID-19 cases were enrolled in Shanghai from Jan 20 to Apr 15, 2020, in which 95 cases (16.41%) showed non-pneumonia on CT when confirmed. The characteristics of non-pneumonia cases have not been clearly described previously, and this might provide guidance to prevent and treatment of COVID-19.Method: We retrospectively collected the patient clinical dataset including demography, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory test results, diagnostic classification, treatment and clinical outcomes.Results: The average age of 95 COVID-19 cases was 31.45 ± 12.89 years old and 95.79% of them were less than 60 years old. They had mild clinical symptoms and/or laboratory abnormalities. 20 of the 95 cases occurred mild pneumonia during hospitalization, accompanied with lower lymphocyte counts, in which 60% cases were complicated with underlying condition and 15% cases were over 60 years old. All cases were cured. 16 of the 95 cases were local residents with clear epidemiological history and long incubation time, and mainly discovered as fever and respiratory symptoms. Other 79 cases were overseas imported, some had initial symptoms of diarrhea, smell or taste disorders and so on. They were mainly found at port of entry.Conclusions: Non-pneumonia COVID-19 predominantly occurred among young adults with mild clinical symptoms and possible long incubation time. The patients with underlying condition or at older age more likely developed mild pneumonia after diagnosis. Thereby, it is very important to pay attention to these patients and make reasonable diagnostic classification towards better prevention and treatment of COVID-19.