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COVID-19 impact on the liver.
Liliana Baroiu1, Caterina Dumitru2, Alina Iancu3
1Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Galati 800008, Romania.
World Journal of Clinical Cases
|June 18, 2021
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts liver function. Patients with abnormal liver tests during COVID-19 treatment showed worse outcomes, highlighting the need for specialized care.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated global health system restructuring.
- Understanding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impact on liver health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SARS-CoV-2 presence in hepatocytes and its cytopathic effects.
- To assess liver damage in COVID-19 patients due to various factors.
- To analyze clinical data on liver injury in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials on liver damage quantification (pathology and biochemistry).
- Analysis of clinical data from 849 COVID-19 patients, including those with chronic liver disease and abnormal liver function tests.
- Statistical comparison of outcomes based on liver test results.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 shows direct cytopathic activity in hepatocytes.
- Liver damage in COVID-19 is linked to drug toxicity, inflammation, and hypoxia.
- Patients with abnormal liver tests (elevated ALT, AST, bilirubin) were older, had more comorbidities, and experienced worse outcomes (death or ICU transfer).
Conclusions:
- Primary causes of COVID-19-related liver injury include direct viral aggression, coagulation dysfunction, and endothelial damage.
- Impaired liver function in COVID-19 patients correlates with more severe disease progression.
- Multidisciplinary care, including hepatologists, is essential for managing COVID-19 patients with liver dysfunction.
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