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Ursodeoxycholic Acid Does Not Improve COVID-19 Outcome in Hospitalized Patients

Francesca Colapietro1,2, Giovanni Angelotti1,3, Chiara Masetti2

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy.

Viruses
|August 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) showed no impact on COVID-19 patient mortality but was linked to reduced need for respiratory support. Real-world data on UDCA for SARS-CoV-2 infection is still limited.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has demonstrated in vitro efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and benefits in chronic liver disease patients.
  • Limited real-world clinical data exists regarding UDCA's impact on COVID-19 outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of UDCA on COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized patients.
  • To assess UDCA's influence on mortality and need for respiratory support (CPAP).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 3847 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between January 2020 and January 2023.
  • Comparison of outcomes between 57 patients on UDCA and 3790 control patients.
  • Statistical analysis to determine UDCA's impact on mortality and CPAP treatment, adjusting for comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in overall mortality between UDCA and control groups (22.8% vs. 21.3%, p=0.243).
  • UDCA group showed a significantly lower rate of CPAP treatment (OR=0.76, p<0.05).
  • UDCA group had higher rates of liver disease and vaccination.

Conclusions:

  • UDCA treatment was not associated with improved survival in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
  • UDCA may reduce the need for CPAP treatment in COVID-19 patients.
  • Further research is needed to confirm UDCA's role in managing COVID-19, especially in specific patient subgroups.

Keywords:
ACE2COVID-19UDCA

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