Der Internist
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The transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan and Hubei Province differ considerably from those in the rest of China. In Hubei province SARS-CoV‑2 led to a dramatic outbreak. ⋯ Despite travel restrictions SARS-CoV‑2 was detected in other provinces in the following weeks. Consistent and intensive identification and isolation of infected persons ("containment") was able to prevent an outbreak outside Hubei province, providing an example for the control of SARS-CoV‑2.
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The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has far reaching effects on society, the economy and medical treatment. It is all the more important to understand the characteristics of the virus and to utilize them diagnostically, therapeutically and epidemiologically. This article firstly elucidates the medical importance of coronaviruses in general. ⋯ Thanks to modern techniques thousands of SARS-CoV‑2 sequences are already available, which show a genomic variability. The D614G mutation in the S spikes seems to cause a higher infectiosity. Mutations can impair the diagnostics and treatment, which makes monitoring necessary.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new β‑Coronavirus that was first detected in 2019 in Wuhan, China. In the ensuing months it has been transmitted worldwide. Here the authors present the current knowledge on the epidemiology of this virus. ⋯ Nosocomial and infections in medical personnel have been reported. Drastic reductions in social contact have been implemented in many countries with outbreaks of SARS-CoV‑2, leading to rapid reductions in R. Which of the measures have been effective is still unknown.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose a major global threat. Although a wide range of organ manifestations have now been described, the respiratory system remains in the forefront in terms of the course of infection. Severe pneumonia can develop and is generally prognostically relevant. ⋯ This is followed by a description of symptoms, which develop in three phases. With regard to treatment, supportive and intensive care approaches are discussed, including O2 administration and (non-)invasive ventilation. The article concludes with a summary of the insights gained into pharmacological therapies: thrombosis prevention on the one hand, and specific antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies (remdesivir, tocilizumab, anakinra, dexamethasone) on the other.
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The pandemic triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put intensive care medicine into the focus of public attention. The mortality of patients with the disease escalates, particularly at the moment when the treatment possibilities of intensive medical care end. ⋯ For these severe courses there is still only little evidence available as to which interventions are the most effective. In addition to the knowledge that can be gained from the rapid performance of clinical trials, the treatment is therefore based on analogies to other syndromes, such as sepsis and macrophage activation syndrome.