Schmulson M, Dávalos MF, Berumen J. Beware: Gastrointestinal symptoms can be a manifestation of COVID-19.
Rev Gastroenterol Mex (Engl Ed) 2020;
85:282-287. [PMID:
32376072 PMCID:
PMC7158807 DOI:
10.1016/j.rgmx.2020.04.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
There is an increasing number of reports on the presentation of gastrointestinal symptoms in cases of COVID-19.
AIM
To review the studies reporting gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19.
RESULTS
Fifteen articles (2,800 patients) were identified. Gastrointestinal symptom frequency varied from 3.0% to 39.6% and included diarrhea (7.5%), náusea (4.5%), anorexia (4.4%), vomiting (1.3%), abdominal pain (0.5%), and belching/reflux (0.3%). Those symptoms can be the first manifestation of COVID-19, but whether they reflect a better or worse prognosis, is controversial. The potential relation of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor in the digestive tract as an entry route for the virus is discussed.
CONCLUSION
Gastrointestinal symptoms may be common in COVID-19, in some cases appearing as the first manifestation, even before fever and respiratory symptoms. Therefore, clinicians and gastroenterologists must be aware of those atypical cases during the current pandemic, as well as of the fecal-oral route and corresponding preventive measures.
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