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Abbasi M, Anzali BC, Mehryar HR. Liver enzymes as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19? A cross-sectional study. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:266-270. [PMID: 38433765 PMCID: PMC10906505 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver injury in patients with COVID-19 infection may directly result from viral infection of liver cells, immune-mediated inflammation such as cytokine storm, and hypoxia resulting from pneumonia. Additionally, liver injury may occur due to drug toxicity and may lead to liver failure in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Given the significance of the liver and its vulnerability in COVID-19 patients, this study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum liver enzymes with the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. This descriptive-analytical study involved hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Patient data were extracted from medical records and recorded in checklists, including demographic characteristics (age and gender), serum levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and patient outcomes (recovery and mortality). Subsequently, the serum levels of AST and ALT in recovered and discharged patients were compared with those of deceased patients. The mean AST level was higher in deceased patients compared to recovered and discharged patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.033). Therefore, overall, higher AST levels in COVID-19 patients may indicate a worse prognosis. Similarly, the mean ALT level was higher in deceased patients compared to recovered and discharged patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.015). Thus, higher ALT levels in COVID-19 patients may generally indicate a worse prognosis. Continuous monitoring of liver enzymes in patients with a poor prognosis can lead to early identification and, to the extent possible, prevention of complications and mortality through enhanced care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Abbasi
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Babak Choobi Anzali
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mehryar
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Abdellatif Z, Abdel-Haleem H, Abdalaziz RA, Ramadan A, Al-Sharif AM, El-Korashy RIM, Soliman YMA, Hussein SA, Kamal MM, Abdullatif MMA, AbdelRazik MM, Eldessouky NMT, Atef M. Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19): A comparative study of pattern of liver injury in adult patients in different waves of Covid-19 infection. Arab J Gastroenterol 2024; 25:170-175. [PMID: 38378355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Liver dysfunction is a common manifestation of the COVID-19 infection. We aimed to study transaminase abnormalities through different waves of COVID-19 and their relations to disease severity or mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study included 521 Egyptian patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Data was retrieved from the medical records of patients who were admitted from April 2020 to October 2021 in Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals, Cairo University, with categorization according to disease severity in correspondence to the four waves. RESULTS The median age was lower in the first wave compared to other waves, with male predominance across all waves. The most commonly encountered comorbidity overall was hypertension, followed by diabetes mellitus. White blood cells, ferritin, and interleukin-6 showed the highest median values in the second wave, with significantly higher median C-reactive protein on day 1 in the first wave. Forty percent of the patients showed elevated hepatic transaminases on admission in four waves, with no statistically significant difference between waves. On day 5, around half of the patients had elevated transaminases, with no significant difference between waves. Most CT findings were of moderate severity. Clinical severity was higher in the second wave. It was observed that the higher the disease severity, the greater the proportion of patients with elevated hepatic transaminases. The mortality rate was markedly high in cases who had elevated ALT or AST on day 5. The association between elevated enzymes on admission and mortality was seen in the first wave only, with a fatality rate of 22.5% in cases with increased baseline ALT and AST versus 5% in those with normal baseline enzymes. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in transaminases between the four waves. Elevated transaminases were positively associated with increased mortality and severity, reflecting their prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Abdellatif
- Hepatogastroenterology and Endemic Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Hanan Abdel-Haleem
- Hepatogastroenterology and Endemic Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Rasha Ahmed Abdalaziz
- Hepatogastroenterology and Endemic Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Ramadan
- Hepatogastroenterology and Endemic Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Aya Mohamed Al-Sharif
- Hepatogastroenterology and Endemic Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | | | - Sabah Ahmed Hussein
- Pulmonary Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Manal Mohamed Kamal
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Mira Atef
- Hepatogastroenterology and Endemic Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
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Tahoun M, Sadaka AS. Deregulated expression of autophagy genes; PIK3C3 and RAB7A in COVID-19 patients. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110801. [PMID: 38609772 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of autophagy in coronaviruses infection and replication has a lot of debate. Autophagy involves the catalytic breakdown of intracellular components to be subsequently recycled by the lysosome. The aim of the study was to evaluate autophagy genes; PIK3C3 and RAB7A expressions in COVID-19 patients, and identify if PIK3C3 and RAB7A can be used as markers for monitoring COVID-19 patients. METHODS A case-control study was carried out on 50 patients and 50 healthy controls. Genes expression was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared to controls, PIK3C3 and RAB7A gene expression levels were significantly lower in patients (p < 0.001) with approximately with 9.4 and 2.3 decreased fold in PIK3C3 and RAB7A respectively. The ROC curve of PIK3C3 and RAB7A expressions showed sensitivity of 84 % and 74 % and specificity of 98 % and 78 % respectively. There was a positive correlation between PIK3C3 expression and WBCs, absolute neutrophil count, interleukin-6, D-dimer, and ALT among patients and between RAB7A expression and WBCs, CRP, IL-6, D-dimer and ALT in patients. CONCLUSIONS The study showed reduction of PIK3C3 and RAB7A expressions in COVID-19 patients. However, further studies are recommended to clarify their roles in the disease pathogenies as autophagy genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Tahoun
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed S Sadaka
- Chest Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Liptak P, Nosakova L, Rosolanka R, Skladany L, Banovcin P. Acute-on-chronic liver failure in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:41-51. [PMID: 36744167 PMCID: PMC9896507 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people, especially those with other concomitant diseases, such as chronic liver diseases. To date, seven coronaviruses have been identified to infect humans. The main site of pathological action of these viruses is lung tissue. However, a substantial number of studies have proven that SARS-CoV-2 shows affinity towards several organs, including the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. The current state of evidence points to several proposed mechanisms of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 and their combination. Liver impairment is considered to be the result of the direct effect of the virus on the hepatic tissue cells, a systemic reaction consisting of inflammation, hypoxia and cytokine storm, drug-induced liver injury, with the possible contribution of a perturbed gut-liver axis. Reactivation of chronic hepatic disease could be another factor for liver impairment in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a relatively new syndrome that occurs in 10%–30% of all hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease. It is crucial to recognize high-risk patients due to the increased morbidity and mortality in these cases. Several published studies have reported virus infection as a trigger factor for ACLF. However, to date, there are few relevant studies describing the presence of ACLF in patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this minireview we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the relation between ACLF and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Liptak
- Clinic of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, Martin 03601, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Nosakova
- Clinic of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, Martin 03601, Slovakia
| | - Robert Rosolanka
- Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, Martin 03601, Slovakia
| | - Lubomir Skladany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, FD Roosevelt University Hospital of Slovak Medical University, Banska Bystrica 97517, Slovakia
| | - Peter Banovcin
- Clinic of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, Martin 03601, Slovakia
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Al-Rawi TSS, Al-Ani RM. Liver dysfunction-related COVID-19: A narrative review. World J Meta-Anal 2023; 11:5-17. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v11.i1.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This disease was designated by the World Health Organization as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, which is not seen before. There are no classical features among the cases of the disease owing to the involvement of nearly all body tissues by the virus. Hepatic involvement is one of the characteristics of the COVID-19 course. There are six possible mechanisms of such involvement: Direct virus injury, drug-induced effect, inflammatory cytokine storm, hypoxia-ischemic destruction, abnormalities in liver function tests, and pre-existing chronic liver diseases. Liver abnormalities are seen commonly in the severe or critical stage of COVID-19. Therefore, these abnormalities determine the COVID-19 severity and carry a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The elderly and patients with comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension are more vulnerable to liver involvement. Another issue that needs to be disclosed is the liver manifestations following the COVID-19 vaccination, such as autoimmune hepatitis. Of note, complete vaccination with third and fourth booster doses is necessary for patients with previous chronic liver diseases or those who have been subjected to liver transplantation. This review aims to explore the various aspects of liver dysfunction during the COVID-19 course regarding the epidemiological features, predisposing factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, hepatic manifestations due to COVID-19 or following vaccination, role of liver function tests in the assessment of COVID-19 severity, adverse effects of the therapeutic agents for the disease, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghreed S Saeed Al-Rawi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Anbar College of Medicine, Ramadi City 31001, Anbar, Iraq
| | - Raid M Al-Ani
- Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of Anbar College of Medicine, Ramadi City 31001, Anbar, Iraq
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Radivojevic A, Abu Jad AA, Ravanavena A, Ravindra C, Igweonu-Nwakile EO, Ali S, Paul S, Yakkali S, Teresa Selvin S, Thomas S, Bikeyeva V, Abdullah A, Balani P. A Systematic Review of SARS-CoV-2-Associated Hepatic Dysfunction and the Impact on the Clinical Outcome of COVID-19. Cureus 2022; 14:e26852. [PMID: 35974857 PMCID: PMC9375135 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread across the globe since December 2019. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of COVID-19 ranges from mild to life-threatening forms. Alteration of hepatic function in COVID-19 is multifactorial. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced hepatic dysfunction and the clinical outcome in patients infected with COVID-19. We methodically explored several electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar) in April 2022 using focused words and terms of medical subject headings for appropriate studies. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for conducting our systematic review. Hepatic dysfunction was identified as elevation of liver function tests (LFTs) above the upper limit of normal. The clinical outcome was described as a combination of mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV). The initial search yielded a total of 7187 studies. After elimination of duplicates, exclusion of studies based on irrelevant titles and abstracts, comprehensive analysis of full-text formats, and evaluation of quality, a total of 16 studies were eligible to be included in our systematic review. In the 16 selected studies, there were 23,962 patients. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can negatively affect several organ systems by interacting with specific receptors widely expressed in the human body. A multifactorial etiology of hepatic dysfunction is observed in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with abnormal LFTs. Significantly higher mortality, ICU admissions, and requirement for MV are associated with LFT alterations. For this reason, patients infected with COVID-19 must have their hepatic function closely monitored.
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Prognostic Value of Transaminases and Bilirubin Levels at Admission to Hospital on Disease Progression and Mortality in Patients with COVID-19—An Observational Retrospective Study. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060652. [PMID: 35745506 PMCID: PMC9227474 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Given the impact of COVID-19 on the world healthcare system, and the efforts of the healthcare community to find prognostic factors for hospitalization, disease progression, and mortality, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic impact of transaminases and bilirubin levels at admission to hospital on disease progression and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Using the CoviCamp database, we performed a multicenter, observational, retrospective study involving 17 COVID-19 Units in southern Italy. We included all adult patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection with at least one determination at hospital admission of aminotransaminases and/or total bilirubin. Results: Of the 2054 patients included in the CoviCamp database, 1641 were included in our study; 789 patients (48%) were considered to have mild COVID-19, 347 (21%) moderate COVID-19, 354 (22%) severe COVID-19, and 151 patients (9%) died during hospitalization. Older age (odds ratio (OR): 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.03), higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (OR 1.088; 95%CI 1.005–1.18), presence of dementia (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.30–3.73), higher serum AST (OR: 1.002; 95% CI: 1.0001–1.004), and total bilirubin (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.002–1.19) values were associated with a more severe clinical outcome. Instead, the 151 patients who died during hospitalization showed a higher serum bilirubin value at admission (OR 1.1165; 95% CI: 1.017–1.335); the same did not apply for AST. Discussion: Patients with COVID-19 with higher levels of AST and bilirubin had an increased risk of disease progression.
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Varshney M, Choudhury A, Sahoo B, Pamecha V, Sinha P, Patil N, Mohapatra N, Sharma V, Kumar R. Impact of covid-19 pandemic on quality of life and psychosocial difficulties among liver transplant recipients. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:744-750. [PMID: 35360795 PMCID: PMC8963630 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1798_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected health in all domains i.e., physical, mental, and social aspects. Liver transplant (LT) recipients faced a multitude of challenges during the first wave of lockdown. The aim was to identify the psychosocial difficulties and quality of life during the first year of the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on LT recipients with a predefined structured questionnaire that included clinical, COVID-19 anxiety scale, and Post-Transplant Quality of life questionnaire (pLTQ). Results: A total of 109 patients were studied; with a mean age of 50.5 ± 11.1 years, with a median post-transplant follow-up of 52.4 months and a live donor transplant in the majority (79.8%). Almost all (99.1%) could come to the hospital for regular follow-up, prior to the pandemic. But during the first wave only 57% could maintain planned hospital visits and about 88% could not pursue their regular activities, and 39% missed their routine exercise because of imposed restrictions. Similarly, financial implications were responsible for 4% defaulting from treatment; while 7.3% managed by curtailing supportive drugs (on their own) leading to deranged liver tests in 4.6%; requiring immediate attention. The psychosocial difficulties raised the stress of pandemic (median score 18), and impacted quality of life (mean total pLTQ score 4.7 ± 0.9) Conclusions: For LT recipients, the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic affected their physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing; in addition to the disease itself. Awareness, psychosocial support, and comprehensive care are some unmet needs for this special group; especially when it is expected that subsequent waves may continue to occur.
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