Elevated liver function tests in COVID-19: Causes, clinical evidence, and potential treatments

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to severe respiratory and multiorgan failure.
• Liver damage, indicated by elevated transaminase levels, is a recognized complication of COVID-19.
• Understanding the mechanisms of COVID-19-induced liver injury is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causes of liver function abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.
• To outline management strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to address liver injury.
• To provide guidance on preventing and alleviating hepatic complications associated with COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on COVID-19 and liver injury.
• Analysis of clinical data and case reports related to liver dysfunction in COVID-19.
• Synthesis of current evidence on therapeutic interventions for COVID-19-related liver damage.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 can directly impact the liver through viral infection or indirectly through systemic inflammation and cytokine storms.
• Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases) are common in COVID-19 patients, correlating with disease severity.
• Various factors, including drug toxicity and hypoxic injury, contribute to liver abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Nurse practitioners play a vital role in monitoring and managing liver function in COVID-19 patients.
• Early recognition and intervention are key to preventing severe liver injury.
• Evidence-based strategies can mitigate the risk and impact of hepatic complications in COVID-19.