Evaluation of Hepatic Affection and Complications in COVID-19 Infected Patients

Abstract Background The definition of liver damage caused by COVID-19 has not yet been established. COVID-19 may contribute to both primary and secondary liver injury in people with pre- existing chronic disease and impaired liver reserves, leading to exacerbation of underlying disease, liver decompensation, or acute chronic liver failure. Therefore, many researchers have interpreted it as clinical or laboratory abnormalities in the course of the disease and treatment in patients with or without pre-existing liver disease. Aim and Objectives To evaluate the relation between liver function tests in COVID-19 patients and disease severity & prognosis. Subjects and Methods This retrospective study, was carried on 200 patients attended to Ain Shams university hospital divided into 2 groups: Group I (Non hepatic patients): COVID-19 patients with no preexisting hepatic diseases who were followed for any changes in liver function tests, Group II (patients with preexisting hepatic diseases): COVID-19 patients with pre-existing hepatic diseases, were followed clinically and laboratory and by Child-Puch score, during a period of 6 months. Result There was high statistically significant relation between Preexisting hepatic diseases and ALT, AST, TB, ALP, PT and INR. Conclusion A higher occurrence of liver injury has been consorted with COVID-19. Moreover, the severity of the disarray in serum liver function indicators is linked to higher acuity. Thus, special attention should be given to any liver dysfunction while treating patients with COVID-19. Patients with abnormal liver tests were at increased risk of progressing to severe disease. The detrimental effects on liver injury mainly related to certain medications used during hospitalization, and should be monitored and evaluated frequently.