Impact of COVID-19 in individuals with and without pre-existent digestive disorders with a particular focus on elderly patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has several extrapulmonary symptoms. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are among the most frequent clinical manifestations of COVID-19, with severe consequences reported in elderly patients. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 on patients with pre-existing digestive diseases still needs to be fully elucidated, particularly in the older population. This review aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the GI tract, liver, and pancreas in individuals with and without previous digestive diseases, with a particular focus on the elderly, highlighting the distinctive characteristics observed in this population. Finally, the effectiveness and adverse events of the anti-COVID-19 vaccination in patients with digestive disorders and the peculiarities found in the elderly are discussed.

Automated summary

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents with a variety of extrapulmonary symptoms, with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms being among the most frequent. Elderly patients are particularly affected, experiencing severe consequences. The impact of COVID-19 on individuals with pre-existing digestive diseases, especially in the older population, is still not fully understood. This review focuses on investigating the effects of COVID-19 on the GI tract, liver, and pancreas in individuals with and without previous digestive diseases, with a specific emphasis on the elderly population. Finally, the effectiveness and adverse events of anti-COVID-19 vaccination in patients with digestive disorders, as well as the unique characteristics observed in the elderly, are discussed.