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Human Liver Spheroids from Peripheral Blood for Liver Disease Studies
Published on: January 27, 2023
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Liver profile in COVID-19: a meta-analysis
Abhishek Bansal1, Jang Bahadur Prasad2
1Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, KLE University, Belagavi, 590010 India.
Summary
COVID-19 patients show elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, indicating potential liver damage. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and albumin levels remained within normal ranges in this meta-analysis of COVID-19 liver injury.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Multiorgan failure in COVID-19, including extrapulmonary symptoms like diarrhea, anorexia, and vomiting, requires further investigation.
- A systematic review on COVID-19-related liver damage and its risk outcomes is lacking.
- This study addresses the need for quantifying liver damage in COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the overall risk of liver damage in COVID-19 patients.
- To determine the variation in liver enzyme outcomes among COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed on four published studies.
- Data included albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in COVID-19 patients.
- A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled means.
Main Results:
- The pooled mean for albumin was 38.84 g/L, and for ALT was 24.44 IU/L, both within normal ranges.
- The pooled mean for AST was 27.28 IU/L, indicating elevated levels in COVID-19 patients.
- A high degree of heterogeneity (>90%) was observed among the studies.
Conclusions:
- While ALT and albumin levels were generally normal, elevated serum AST levels suggest potential liver damage in COVID-19.
- The calculated pooled means can aid in assessing the extent of liver injury in COVID-19.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings.
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