Background and aim: Daily evidence arises from of other organs involvement in this new viral disease called COVID-19, several publications describe variable liver involvement, characterized by cholestasis and mild hyperbilirubinemia. The objective of the present work was to describe the frequency and characteristics of alterations in liver function tests (LFT) in patients diagnosed with SARS-COV2 in our hospital.
Material and methods: Descriptive study type. Data obtained from database in COVID-19 unit. Hospitalized adult patients confirmed with SARS-COV2 diagnosis by using RNA through PCR were included, from April 7 to May 12, 2020. Demographic, biochemical variables were analyzed upon admission, as well as comorbidities and outcome.
Results: 27 out of 113 patients, including those with suspicious diagnosis, were confirmed with SARS-COV2 which at the time of the cutoff were also included in the analysis. Average age 50.7 years (range 25-91 years). Male sex 74% (N=20/27). 13 patients (48.1%) presented Liver Functions Tests (LFT) alterations, the cholestatic pattern predominated in 84.6% (N=11). Ferritin value ≥ 1000 ng / mL and severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) had a Predictive Positive Value (PPV)=0.7%, Predictive Negative Value (PNV) 0.7%, S=0.7%, E=0.6% as a diagnostic marker. 20 patients have been discharged at the time of the cutoff, 4 remain hospitalized, and 3 deaths. 3/3 deaths had Liver Functions Tests (LFT) alterations. 55% (N=11/20) of discharged patients had LFT alterations. None presented liver failure.
Conclusions: Half of the patients affected with SARS-COV2 present LFT alteration, with predominance of cholestatic pattern in our sample. All deaths showed alteration at admission time, while 55% of discharged patients presented said alteration. The cause can be multifactorial, and involve hepatotoxicity due to drugs, deficient blood circulation, the effect of assisted ventilatory mechanics, among others, and not necessarily attributed exclusively to viral infection. Therefore, there is no evidence that suggests SARS-COV2 virus is directly hepatotropic. Serum ferritin could be useful in (ARDS) diagnosis secondary to SARS-COV2.
Conflicts of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
