Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on liver disease

• Published in: Advances in Laboratory Medicine / Avances en Medicina de Laboratorio 2022-06, Vol.3 (2), p.126-133
• Main Authors: Salgüero Fernández, Sergio, Gabriel Medina, Pablo, Almería Lafuente, Alejandro, Ballesteros Vizoso, María Antonieta, Zamora Trillo, Angielys, Casals Mercadal, Gregori, Solé Enrech, Gemma, Lalana Garcés, Marta, Guerra Ruiz, Armando R., Ortiz Pastor, Oihana, Morales Ruiz, Manuel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: liver injury; transaminase; virus
• ISSN: 2628-491X; 2628-491X
• DOI: 10.1515/almed-2022-0037

Abnormal liver biochemistry is not a rare finding in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of patients having pre-existing chronic disease or not. This review examines the current body of knowledge on the relationship between COVID-19 and liver injury, which is frequently found in this setting. Although the pathogenesis of liver injury is not fully understood, it has been suggested to be the result of a combination of multiple factors. These include direct injury caused by the virus, immune system hyperactivation, ischemic and drug-induced injury. The prognostic valor of these alterations is also the subject of intense research. Due to their potential impact, these alterations require proper management and treatment, especially in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplant recipients. Some aspects associated with liver injury during COVID-19, especially in severe presentations, are not well understood. Studies assessing the clinical impact of COVID-19 on the healthy or diseased liver may help adjust treatment and immunization guidelines to the profile of the patient.