Liver damage in the context of SARS-CoV-2. Covid-19 treatment and its effects on the liver

Abstract

Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the scientific community has tried to protect the population from the infection and its effects through multiple lines of evidence. Patients at high risk of developing severe disease were advised to protect themselves and practice effective physical distancing. Phenotypes specific to this infection need to be reviewed to understand COVID-19 and its clinical manifestations. When the pandemic began, the scientific community was concerned with the unfavorable outcome of cases with pre-existing liver disease. There have been speculations about risk factors for severe diseases such as liver disease, age, gender, and association with obesity or diabetes.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-COV2; hepatotropism; liver biochemistry; liver disease.

Figure 1

The initial stage of liver illness and amount of medical assistance as a predictor of mortality after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rate fatality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARDS) after hospitalization, at intensive care units (ICUs), and with invasive ventilation, separated by the stage of liver affection. Child-Pugh, or CP. derived from [89], CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Figure 2

Activity of liver transplant in the UK before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Blood and Transplant Service at the UK National Health Service.