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Liver dysfunction in adults with COVID-19 infection: A longitudinal study with transient elastography evaluation
Ruveena Bhavani Rajaram1, Thevaraajan Jayaraman2, Xin-Hui Khoo1
1Gastroenterology Unit, Medical Department Universiti Malaya Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Summary
Nearly half of COVID-19 patients experience persistent abnormal liver biochemistry (ALB) for six months post-infection. This persistence is linked to factors like higher BMI and existing liver conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Abnormal liver biochemistry (ALB) is a frequent complication in COVID-19 patients.
- The persistence of ALB after acute COVID-19 infection remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of persistent abnormal liver biochemistry (ALB) in patients up to six months after COVID-19 hospitalization.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study involving adult COVID-19 patients with initial abnormal liver function tests.
- Assessment included laboratory tests and imaging (ultrasound, FibroScan) at discharge and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Of 174 eligible patients, 47.7% had persistent ALB at 6 months.
- Persistent ALB was associated with higher BMI, elevated LDL, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), chronic liver disease (CLD), and liver injury on univariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Nearly half of COVID-19 patients exhibit persistent ALB for up to six months.
- Factors associated with persistent ALB include elevated BMI, LDL, MAFLD, CLD, and liver injury, though not statistically significant in multivariate analysis.
