Liver and COVID-19: possible mechanisms of damage

Abstract

The global epidemic of a new coronavirus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a major threat to human health. In the clinical picture, along with acute respiratory distress syndrome, liver lesions are also noted. The following mechanisms are currently being considered: direct damaging effects of SARS-CoV-2, immuno-mediated inflammation, hypoxia, drug exposure, and reactivation of pre-existing liver disease. We studied 150 patients with COVID-pneumonia who are under inpatient treatment at the University Clinical Hospital No. 1 of Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. Of these, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in 84 (56.0%) patients. In 55 (36.7%) patients, an increase in serum aminotransferases was registered, mainly alanine aminotransferase max. up to 572 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase up to a max. of 232 U/L. The long-term consequences are unknown and require monitoring of these patients.