Epidemiological, biological, and radiological characteristics of adult with COVID-19 at Kiffa hospital center, Assaba (Mauritania).

Abstract

Objective. – This study was conducted to describe the epidemiological, clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 during the epidemic in the city of Kiffa, Mauritania.
Patients and methods. –This is a retrospective study over a two-month period (May 15 to July 31, 2020). All patients with influenza-like illness or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as asymptomatic subjects with a recent history of contact with subjects with COVID-19, were included. The diagnosis was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and, in the case of ARDS, by chest scanner.
Results. – Twenty-eight confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified. The mean age (standard deviation) was 47.9 years ± 15.8 years (range: 22–75 years). The risk factors included handling of the hemodialysis machines (n = 15) contaminated by a technician from Nouakchott and/or contact with patients with COVID-19, confirmed or not (n = 12), a recent travel history (n = 1), and residence in a risk zone where cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed (n = 6). The majority (78.6%) of COVID-19 cases were nosocomial, and 17.9% were community-based. Flu-like syndrome was present in 14 (50%) patients. Three (10.7%) patients presented a severe form with ARDS. Two patients died from ARDS. Among the cured patients (n = 26), none presented neurological or respiratory sequelae.
Conclusions. –There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, and its management is multidisciplinary. Prevention, screening, and patient isolation are essential in managing the pandemic and should be implemented at the early stages of the disease.