Endoscopia digestiva alta em pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19: experiência em um hospital universitário

Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, the virus can also directly invade other organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, single-center study aimed to assess the indications, findings, and therapeutic interventions of upper GI endoscopy in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at a university hospital during the pandemic. Additionally, the study explored the potential association between GI involvement and increased mortality, as evaluated by the Rockall score. The analysis revealed that only a minority of patients exhibited significant endoscopic findings or required therapeutic intervention. These results underscore the importance of optimizing endoscopy referral practices to minimize unnecessary procedures that may pose more risks than benefits. Nevertheless, the presence of GI manifestations appeared to correlate with moderate to high Rockall scores and poorer prognoses. Therefore, the management of GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients is complex and necessitates careful consideration of both patient outcomes and healthcare worker safety.