Gastrointestinal manifestation as clinical predictor of severe COVID‐19: A retrospective experience and literature review of COVID‐19 in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) has caused over 200 000 deaths worldwide. Thailand announced the first confirmed case outside mainland China in January 2020. The disease also spread widely across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Gastrointestinal manifestations could be presenting symptoms of COVID‐19. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID‐19 patients in Thailand and review important aspects of this disease in ASEAN. METHODS: Thai patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, were evaluated between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2020. Patients' data, clinical presentation, exposure risk, past medical history, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes were extensively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 352 COVID‐19 tests were performed, and 40 patients with positive tests were studied. The mean age was 30.5 years, and 55% were female. Most (82.5%) had no underlying diseases. Comorbidities were associated with severe COVID‐19 (odds ratio [OR] 29.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.31–388.40, P = 0.009). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 12 patients (30%). The most common presenting symptoms were anorexia (17.5%) and diarrhea (15%). Gastrointestinal symptoms developed before (9.1%), concurrent with (63.6%), and after (27.3%) respiratory symptoms. Diarrhea was significantly associated with severe COVID‐19 (OR 38.52; 95% CI 3.11–476.70, P = 0.004). Twenty‐four patients (60%) received antiviral drugs; 40% had only supportive care. Only one patient required intensive care. No patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID‐19 patients are common symptoms and can occur anytime during the disease course. Patients presenting with only gastrointestinal symptoms should raise clinical suspicion for COVID‐19 in areas with high disease incidence. Clinically severe COVID‐19 was associated with comorbidities and diarrhea.