Hypocortisolism in survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

OBJECTIVE: Following the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, many survivors were observed to suffer from psychosomatic symptoms reminiscent of various endocrine disorders. Hence, we sought to determine the existence of any chronic endocrine sequelae in SARS survivors. DESIGN, PATIENTS, MEASUREMENTS: Sixty-one survivors of SARS prospectively recruited were analysed for hormonal derangements 3 months following recovery. Patients with pre-existing endocrine disorders were excluded. Any endocrine abnormalities diagnosed were investigated and treated where indicated up to a year. Serial evaluation facilitated characterization of trends and prognostication of any endocrinological aberrations. RESULTS: Twenty-four (39.3%) patients had evidence of hypocortisolism. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction of the majority resolved within a year. Two (3.3%) of the hypocortisolic cohort had transient subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Four (6.7%) were biochemically hypothyroid, being comprised of three with central hypothyroidism and one with primary hypothyroidism. Two of the three with central hypothyroidism had concomitant central hypocortisolism. Eight had subnormal DHEAS levels. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings highlight a possible aetiologic role of SARS-associated coronavirus in causing a reversible hypophysitis or direct hypothalamic effect, with the HPA axis affected more frequently than the HPT axis.     

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly infectious respiratory disease, to the best of our knowledge caused by a hitherto unknown corona virus. The virus has spread from South East Asia to many countries of the world. Three case reports of patients from the Prince of Wales Hospital of The Chinese University of Hong Kong demonstrate typical clinical courses. Fever, cough, in most cases non-productive, myalgia, chills, and rigor are the leading symptoms. Leucopenia and thrombocytopenia are the most prominent laboratory parameters, increased values for lactatedehydrogenase (LDH) reflect a more severe clinical course. Advanced age and coexisting conditions seem to influence the prognosis unfavourably. The chest roentgenogram may be normal initially but at a later stage progressive consolidations in the majority of peripheral parts of the lung are observed, which cannot be differentiated from pneumonias of other origin. Even young patients can enter a stage of respiratory compromise rather fast. A therapy against the cause of the disease is not known. Empirical therapy with ribavirin in combination with high dose corticosteroids have proved successful. The disease may progress into respiratory failure comparable with an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mortality is around five to ten per cent. Stringent hygiene and quarantine measures are mandatory to prevent the further spread of this threatening disease.     

Tachycardia amongst subjects recovering from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

SARS is a new infection in human. Patients recovering from SARS had palpitation in the form of sinus tachycardia. This study to identify the possible causes for the tachycardia excluded active disease, thyroid dysfunction, haematological, cardiac, autonomic and significant pulmonary defect at 2 months from onset of disease. The symptomatology was attributed to physical deconditioning and anxiety state. Physical and psychological fitness should be restored with rehabilitation.     

严重急性呼吸综合征传播影响因素病例对照研究

目的探讨严重急性呼吸综合征(SARS)传播的影响因素。方法采用病例对照研究,分别对有明确流行病学接触史的SARS患者与密切接触者,无明确流行病学接触史的SARS患者与一般人群进行比较。结果工作环境不通风、去公共场所无戴口罩的习惯、和患者接触时不通风与SARS呈正相关;疫情流行期间未到过医院,外出不采用人口密度相对较大的公交车、地铁等交通工具与SARS负相关。结论应加强医院建设和管理,以应对传染病的流行;当与患者接触时应注意通风;疫情暴发期间到公共场所应戴口罩;患者尽量减少到医院的机会和使用人口密度相对较大的交通工具。     

Detection of airborne severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and environmental contamination in SARS outbreak units

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is characterized by a risk of nosocomial transmission; however, the risk of airborne transmission of SARS is unknown. During the Toronto outbreaks of SARS, we investigated environmental contamination in SARS units, by employing novel air sampling and conventional surface swabbing. Two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive air samples were obtained from a room occupied by a patient with SARS, indicating the presence of the virus in the air of the room. In addition, several PCR-positive swab samples were recovered from frequently touched surfaces in rooms occupied by patients with SARS (a bed table and a television remote control) and in a nurses' station used by staff (a medication refrigerator door). These data provide the first experimental confirmation of viral aerosol generation by a patient with SARS, indicating the possibility of airborne droplet transmission, which emphasizes the need for adequate respiratory protection, as well as for strict surface hygiene practices.     

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus

The global severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak was the first pandemic of the 21st century. Although the outbreak was successfully controlled, evidence that SARS emerged from an animal reservoir has raised concerns that another pandemic could occur. This review discusses the likelihood of another SARS pandemic and reviews the epidemiological and clinical features of the disease with an emphasis on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of SARS.     

Hospital management of adults with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) if SARS re-emerges--updated 10 February 2004

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a potentially severe and highly infectious disease to which healthcare workers involved in the management of cases are particularly vulnerable. These guidelines briefly summarise optimal and safe practice for clinicians involved in the emergency care of patients with probable or confirmed SARS.     

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a recently recognized and highly contagious pneumonic illness, caused by a novel coronavirus. While developments in diagnostic, clinical and other aspects of SARS research are well underway, there is still great difficulty for frontline clinicians as validated rapid diagnostic tests or effective treatment regimens are lacking. This article attempts to summarize some of the recent developments in this newly recognized condition from the Asia Pacific perspective.