Objective To summarize the clinical features of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and to discuss diagnosis and management of the disease.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 78 cases of SARS referred to the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases (GIRD) between December 22, 2002 and near the end of March 2003. Items reviewed cover all data concerning clinical manifestations, laboratory investigation and radiology.Results The patients in the study consisted of 42 males and 36 females, aged 20 -75 yrs (mean age 37. 5±11. 6 yrs), including 44 affected health-care professionals. Clinical symptoms seen in the group were fever (100.0%), cough (88.5%), and dyspnea (79.5%). There were 12 cases (15. 3%) with WBCs <4. 0 x109/L, 49 cases (62. 8%) ranging between (4. 0-10. 0) ×10~9/L and 17 cases (21. 8%) over 10. 0×10~9/L. The average was(7. 58 ?. 96) x 109/L, with 0. 75±0.14 (neutrophil) and 0.18±0.11 (lymphocyte). Chest films and CT scanning revealed changes related to pneumonia. The tr Objective To summarize the clinical features of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and to discuss diagnosis and management of the disease. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 78 cases of SARS referred to the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases (GIRD) between December 22, 2002 and near the end of March 2003. Items reviewed cover all data concerning clinical manifestations, laboratory investigation and radiology. Results The Patients in the study consisted of 42 males and 36 females, aged 20 -75 yrs (mean age 37. 5 ± 11 . 6 yrs), including 44 affected health-care professionals. Clinical symptoms seen in the group were fever (100.0%), cough (88.5%), and dyspnea (79.5%). WBCs <4.0x109 / L, 49 cases (62.8%) ranging between (4.0-10.0) × 10-9 / L and 17 cases (21.8%) over 10. 0 × 10 ~ 9 / L. The average was (7.88.96) x 109 / L, with 0.75 ± 0.14 (neutrophil) and 0.18 ± 0.11 (lymphocyte). Chest films and CT scanning revealed changes related to pneumonia. The tr