Multi-organ system involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A mega review

Naghmeh Moslehi1, Mahsa Hadipour Jahromy1,2, Pegah Ashrafi3

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Insights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause severe multi-organ damage beyond the lungs. This review synthesizes findings on seven organ systems affected by COVID-19, aiding future research and clinical management.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant morbidity and mortality, with severity influenced by comorbidities and immune status.
  • Multi-organ involvement is a recognized complication of COVID-19 infection, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its impact.
  • Existing literature often focuses on single organ systems, creating a need for consolidated information.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the involvement of seven major organ systems in COVID-19.
  • To provide an organized overview of conclusions and management strategies for COVID-19-related organ injuries.
  • To identify research gaps for future investigations into COVID-19's multi-systemic effects.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted for review papers and articles.
  • Data were collected on COVID-19's impact across seven distinct organ systems.
  • Information was compiled and organized into review tables for each organ system.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 affects multiple organ systems, with varying degrees of severity and clinical manifestations.
  • Specific findings and management recommendations for each of the seven reviewed organ systems were identified.
  • The review highlights the systemic nature of COVID-19 pathology.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19's impact extends beyond the respiratory system, affecting multiple organs and requiring integrated clinical attention.
  • Consolidated information on organ-specific COVID-19 involvements can improve patient management and preventative strategies.
  • This review identifies critical areas for future research to address the multi-systemic sequelae of COVID-19.

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