Recent advances in COVID-19-induced liver injury: causes, diagnosis, and management

• Published in: Inflammopharmacology Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 2649 - 2680
• Main Authors: Antar, Samar A., Ashour, Nada A., Hamouda, Amir O., Noreddin, Ayman M., Al‐Karmalawy, Ahmed A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-10-2024
• Subjects: Allergology; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; COVID-19 - complications; Dermatology; Gastroenterology; Humans; Immunology; Liver - pathology; Liver - virology; Liver Diseases - diagnosis; Liver Diseases - etiology; Liver Diseases - virology; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Review; Rheumatology; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Cirrhosis; SARS-CoV-2; Chronic liver disease; COVID-19 management; Liver injury
• ISSN: 0925-4692; 1568-5608; 1568-5608
• DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01535-7

Since the start of the pandemic, considerable advancements have been made in our understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated COVID-19 on the hepatic system. There is a broad range of clinical symptoms for COVID-19. It affects multiple systems and has a dominant lung illness depending on complications. The progression of COVID-19 in people with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CLD) has also been studied in large multinational groups. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a higher risk of hepatic decompensation and death in patients with cirrhosis. In this review, the source, composition, mechanisms, transmission characteristics, clinical characteristics, therapy, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 were clarified and discussed, as well as the evolution and variations of the virus. This review briefly discusses the causes and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with CLD. As part of COVID-19, In addition, we assess the potential of liver biochemistry as a diagnostic tool examine the data on direct viral infection of liver cells, and investigate potential pathways driving SARS-CoV-2-related liver damage. Finally, we explore how the pandemic has had a significant impact on patient behaviors and hepatology services, which may increase the prevalence and severity of liver disease in the future. The topics encompassed in this review encompass the intricate relationships between SARS-CoV-2, liver health, and broader health management strategies, providing valuable insights for both current clinical practice and future research directions.
Graphical abstract