Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness. It is caused by an emerging coronavirus, specifically a betacoronavirus called MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), first discovered in 2012. Being a relatively novel virus, there is no virus-specific prevention or treatment options for MERS patients. Attending to the fact that a vaccine hasn't been developed yet, enhancing infection prevention and control measures is critical to prevent the possible spread of MERS-CoV in hospitals and communities. Persons with symptoms suspicious of MERS-CoV infection need medical evaluation. Physical examination by a health care provider may reveal fever, hypothermia, tachypnea, hypotension, tachycardia, and/or low oxygen saturation. Additionally, people who are struggling to breathe, confused or who have cyanosis require immediate attention.[1][2][3]
Physical Examination
Patients infected by MERS-CoV usually present to the hospital in critically ill condition, nevertheless some studies have reported some mild cases.[3][4] According to the progression of the disease, the physical findings will change and are usually suggestive of respiratory infection. However, in critically ill patients other systems may be affected, in which case, physical evaluation may include other findings.
Vital Signs
- Hypotension (< 90 mm Hg)
- Tachycardia (> 125 beats/min)
- Tachypnea
Lungs
Palpation
Percussion
- Dullness on percussion suggests pneumonia as an alternative diagnosis
Auscultation
- Decreased breath sounds
References
- ↑ Dyall J, Coleman CM, Hart BJ, Venkataraman T, Holbrook MR, Kindrachuk J; et al. (2014). "Repurposing of clinically developed drugs for treatment of Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus Infection". Antimicrob Agents Chemother. doi:10.1128/AAC.03036-14. PMID 24841273.
- ↑ "Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infections when novel coronavirus is suspected: What to do and what not to do" (PDF).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "MERS Prevention and Treatment".
- ↑ Memish, Ziad A.; Zumla, Alimuddin I.; Assiri, Abdullah (2013). "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infections in Health Care Workers". New England Journal of Medicine. 369 (9): 884–886. doi:10.1056/NEJMc1308698. ISSN 0028-4793.