Liver injury in COVID-19: A minireview

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• An outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019.
• Liver injury is a recognized complication in COVID-19 patients, with varying severity.
• Factors contributing to liver injury include systemic inflammation, immune response, and direct viral effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on liver injury associated with COVID-19.
• To emphasize the clinical significance of monitoring and managing liver dysfunction in COVID-19.
• To address concerns regarding COVID-19 infection in liver transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on COVID-19 and liver injury.
• Analysis of reported cases and contributing factors to liver damage.
• Synthesis of information regarding clinical monitoring and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 can manifest with varying degrees of liver injury.
• Multiple mechanisms, including inflammation and direct viral impact, contribute to liver damage.
• Most cases show mild, transient liver dysfunction, but monitoring is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations like liver transplant recipients.

Conclusions:

• Liver injury is a significant clinical manifestation of COVID-19 that requires attention.
• Close monitoring and appropriate management of liver function are essential for COVID-19 patients.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and manage COVID-19-related liver injury, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.