Severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS is a respiratory disease in humans which is caused by the SARS corona virus. There was one major epidemic to date, between November 2002 and July 2003, with 8,096 known cases of the disease, and 774 deaths.
I initial symptoms are flu-like and may include: fever, myalgia, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, cough, sore throat and other non-specific symptoms. The only symptom that is common to all patients appears to be a fever above 38 °C (100.4 °F). Shortness of breath may occur later. Symptoms usually appear 2– 10 days following exposure, but up to 13 days have been reported. In most cases symptoms appear within 2– 3 days. About 10– 20% of cases require mechanical ventilation.
The treatment of corona virus-associated SARS has been evolving and so far there is no consensus on an optimal regimen. This chapter reviews the diverse treatment experience and controversies to date, and aims to consolidate our current knowledge and prepare for a possible resurgence of the disease.
Treatment strategies for SARS were first developed on theoretical bases and from clinical observations and inferences. Prospective randomized controlled treatment trials were understandably lacking during the first epidemic of this novel disease. The mainstream therapeutic interventions for SARS involve broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care, as well as antiviral agents and immunomodulatory therapy. Assisted ventilation in a non-invasive or invasive form would be instituted in SARS patients complicated by respiratory failure.
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