Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection in Humans: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: A growing body of literature on the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is becoming available but a synthesis of available data has not been conducted. We performed a scoping review of currently available clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and chest imaging data related to the 2019-nCoV infection. Methodology: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, Scopus and LILACS from January 1st, 2019 to February 24th, 2020. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Qualitative synthesis was conducted, and random-effects models were applied to estimate pooled results. Findings: Sixty-one studies were included (101,905 patients). The most common disease-related symptoms were fever (84%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 77-91%; n=2,452), cough (63%, 95% CI 55-70%; n=2,027), and muscle aches and/or fatigue (27%, 95% CI 19-37%; n=1,742). Laboratory findings were described in a lower number of patients, and revealed lymphopenia (0.93x109/L, 95% CI 0.83-1.03x109/L, n=464) and abnormal C-reactive protein (33.72mg/dL, 95% CI 21.54-45.91mg/dL, n=1637). Radiological findings varied, but mostly described ground glass opacities and consolidation. Data on treatment options were limited. All-cause mortality was 1.1% (95% CI 0.1-2.7%; n=51,673). Epidemiological studies showed that mortality was higher in males and elderly patients. Interpretation: The majority of reported clinical symptoms and laboratory findings related to 2019-nCoV infection are non-specific. Clinical suspicion, accompanied by a relevant epidemiological history, should be followed by early imaging and virological assay. Funding Statement: No funding was obtained for this study. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: The authors stated that ethics approval was not necessary.