Probing liver function test patterns in COVID-19 pneumonia: Implications for disease severity assessment

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can affect multiple organ systems, including the liver.
• Liver function test (LFT) derangements have been reported in COVID-19 patients, but their patterns and association with disease severity require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and patterns of LFT abnormalities in COVID-19 pneumonia.
• To investigate the relationship between LFT derangements and the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 344 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Data collected on demographics, comorbidities, LFTs, and disease severity (WHO criteria).
• Statistical analysis using SPSS 23 to identify patterns and associations.

Main Results:

• A significant prevalence of mixed and cholestatic patterns of LFT abnormalities was observed (p=0.046).
• A mixed pattern of LFT abnormality was significantly associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia (p<0.05).
• Advanced age and hypertension were identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant relationship between liver function test abnormalities and the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Mixed patterns of LFT derangement may indicate more severe disease.