Publication
Title
Clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection : an observational study of respiratory tract infection in primary care in the early phase of the pandemic
Author
Abstract
Background Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, GPs had to distinguish SARS-CoV-2 from other aetiologies in patients presenting with respiratory tract infection (RTI) symptoms on clinical grounds and adapt management accordingly. Objectives To test the diagnostic accuracy of GPs’ clinical diagnosis of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a period when COVID-19 was a new disease. To describe GPs’ management of patients presenting with RTI for whom no confirmed diagnosis was available. To investigate associations between patient and clinical features with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods In April 2020–March 2021, 876 patients (9 countries) were recruited when they contacted their GP with symptoms of an RTI of unknown aetiology. A swab was taken at baseline for later analysis. Aetiology (PCR), diagnostic accuracy of GPs’ clinical SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, and patient management were explored. Factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined by logistic regression modelling. Results GPs suspected SARS-CoV-2 in 53% of patients whereas 27% of patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. True-positive patients (23%) were more intensively managed for follow-up, antiviral prescribing and advice than true-negatives (42%). False negatives (5%) were under-advised, particularly for social distancing and isolation. Older age (OR: 1.02 (1.01–1.03)), male sex (OR: 1.68 (1.16–2.41)), loss of taste/smell (OR: 5.8 (3.7–9)), fever (OR: 1.9 (1.3–2.8)), muscle aches (OR: 2.1 (1.5–3)), and a known risk factor for COVID-19 (travel, health care worker, contact with proven case; OR: 2.7 (1.8–4)) were predictive of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Absence of loss of taste/smell, fever, muscle aches and a known risk factor for COVID-19 correctly excluded SARS-CoV-2 in 92.3% of patients, whereas presence of 3, or 4 of these variables correctly classified SARS-CoV-2 in 57.7% and 87.1%. Conclusion Correct clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, without POC-testing available, appeared to be complicated.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The European journal of general practice. - Amersfoort
Publication
Amersfoort : 2023
ISSN
1381-4788 [print]
1751-1402 [online]
DOI
10.1080/13814788.2023.2270707
Volume/pages
29 :1 (2023) , p. 1-8
Article Reference
2270707
ISI
001087758000001
Pubmed ID
37870070
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Rapid European SARS-CoV-2 Emergency research Response (RECoVER).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 24.10.2023
Last edited 08.12.2024
To cite this reference