Abstract: Objective To summarize the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Methods Clinical data were reviewed in patients with severe COVID -19 diagnosed and treated in our hospital between January 27 and March 10 of 2020. Results Of the 5 patients with severe COVID-19, 2 were males and 3 females, aged between 47 and 65 years. Three patients were concomitant with underlying disease. Clinical signs and symptoms were characterized by fever, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, fatigue and diarrhea, with markedly decreased absolute count of lymphocytes and total number of eosinophils. The features of chest CT were indicated by multiple patchy shadows,peripherally distributed at bilateral lung fields. Antiviral therapy was applied to the 5 patients, in whom one patient received convalescent plasma infusion, and another one was given Tocilizumab therapy. All patients were cured and discharged. Conclusion Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are dominant in the 5 patients of severe COVID - 19, with significantly decreased lymphocyte and eosinophil. CT images are characterized by peripheral distribution of multiple patchy shadows at both lungs, and aggressive treatment can lead to better prognosis.

Key words: Severe COVID-19, Clinical features, Diagnosis, Treatment