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Coronavirus disease 2019 and the liver. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2022 May 01;38(3):191-199

Date

03/12/2022

Pubmed ID

35275902

DOI

10.1097/MOG.0000000000000826

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85131268183 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this review is to examine the epidemiology and pathogenesis of liver injury in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the impact of COVID-19 on patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplant recipients.

RECENT FINDINGS: Abnormal liver chemistries occur in up to 60% of COVID-19 patients and are typically mild. COVID-19- associated liver injury may be because of direct viral cytopathic effect, immune-mediated damage, hypoxia, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), or exacerbation of CLD. COVID-19 patients with CLD and who are liver transplant recipients are at risk for severe disease and mortality. COVID-19 precipitated hepatic decompensation in 20-46% of cirrhotic patients. Alcohol consumption and cases of acute alcohol- associated hepatitis increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are well tolerated to use during COVID-19 but immunomodulators have been associated with mortality. Less than 50% of transplant recipients produce adequate antibody titers after COVID-19 vaccination.

SUMMARY: COVID-19 patients with CLD should be monitored for liver injury and hepatic decompensation. Patients with CLD and liver transplant recipients should be considered for targeted COVID-19 pharmacotherapeutics and advised vaccination against COVID-19, including a third booster dose. CLD treatments and immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients could generally continue without interruption during COVID-19 infection, with the possible exception of immunomodulators.

Author List

Esteban JP, Sobotka L, Rockey DC

Author

James Esteban MD Assistant Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Humans
Liver Diseases
Pandemics