Liver Damage and COVID-19: At Least a Two-Hit Story in Systematic Review

COVID-19 pandemic waves have hit on our lives with pulmonary and, also, gastrointestinal symptoms. The latter also includes acute liver damage linked to direct SARS-CoV-2 action and/or drug-induced (DILI) in the frame of pre-existing chronic liver disease. We aimed to review literature data regarding liver damage during COVID-19. We conducted a systematic search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: liver disease, COVID-19, acute liver damage, drug-induced liver injury, antivirals. Acute liver damage due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is common among COVID-19 patients and is generally self-limiting. However, chronic hepatic diseases, such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), are associated with a less favorable prognosis, especially when alkaline phosphatases show a significant rise. Pathophysiology of COVID-19 liver damage is multifaceted and helps understand differences in liver derangement among patients. Thus, early recognition, monitoring and treatment of liver damage are crucial in these patients. In the frame of a not-ending pandemic sustained by SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to recognize acute hepatic decompensation due to the virus and/or drugs used for COVID-19 treatment.

Automated summary

COVID-19 pandemic waves have led to pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms, including acute liver damage. Acute liver damage is common in COVID-19 patients and is generally self-limiting. However, patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease, such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), have a less favorable prognosis. Early recognition, monitoring, and treatment of liver damage are crucial. Recognition of acute hepatic decompensation due to the virus and/or drugs used for COVID-19 treatment is essential in the ongoing pandemic.