Clinical features and management of COVID-19: A systematic review

Abstract

Novel coronavirus disease, the latest world pandemic is one of the most contagious viral infections to date. There has been a lack of uniformity on recognizing this condition clinically because of poorly understood pathophysiology and clinical nature. Also due to ongoing clinical trials, its management is also varied. This is a systematic review from evidence-based studies until March 1^st, 2020, covering an update on its clinical features and management. This study shows the multisystem involvement of COVID-19 with dominant respiratory features followed by the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal system and others. The clinical features varied from asymptomatic to severe forms. Major causes of fatality were acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, acute cardiac injury, acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, and arrhythmia. Major modalities of management included supportive, antiviral and antibiotic therapy. There was no direct relationship between the specific treatment and the outcome.