New coronavirus infection and liver lesions

BACKGROUND: According to published research outcomes, liver dysfunction is one of the predictors of adverse outcome COVID-19.

AIM: To study the frequency and severity of liver damage in COVID-19 and suggest therapeutic and prevention approaches to liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 171 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia at the age of 21–94 (mean age 59.85 ± 14.96). Clinical and biochemical blood tests, coagulogram, blood ammonia test, number linkage test, multislice computed tomography of the chest, and ¹³C-metacetin breath test. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the volume of lung injury. Statistical processing of the results was performed with the software SPSS 26.

RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms were manifestations of intoxication syndrome, respiratory failure, the severity of which correlated with the volume of lung tissue damage according to multislice computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, and alkaline phosphate increased. However, significant distinctions in the groups were revealed only for gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphate levels. The level of C-reactive protein in both groups directly correlated with the level of cytolysis and cholestasis, indicating a significant role of the liver in pathological processes in COVID-19. Conclusion: Hyperammonemia and decreased liver functional reserve of various severity were observed in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate the diagnostic value of the studied parameters for the evaluation of liver damage, as well as the applications of prevention and treatment measures for liver lesions in patients with COVID-19.