The aim of the present study is to analyse the pattern of liver impairment in patients with Covid-19 along with identifying the acceptable and practical diagnostic criteria of Covid-19 Induced Hepatitis (CIH). This review offers an insight and guidance about the diagnosis of CIH, aetiology of liver damage and review of recently published articles about the impairment of liver function in Covid-19 patients.

The study included broad literature review of newly published data and study in PubMed cited journals and other international publisher journals. The investigators also included research of all studies that evaluated liver derangement in COVID-19. Statistical analysis of submitted data were determined using SPSS.

The outcome of the study showed that 60% of patients with SARS can have deranged liver functions. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly abnormal in around 14-53% of patients with Covid-19 (7/114, 6.14%). Abnormal liver enzymes, mainly ALT/AST, in severe Covid-19 pneumonia was remarkably higher in contrast to patients with mild disease, with mean average (37.87±32.17 vs 21.22± 12.67;38.87 ± 22.55 vs 24.39 ± 9.79).

Thus, the study concluded that CIH, a new clinical syndrome is typified as a benign new transient hepatitis in a SARS-CoV-2 patients. It is characterized by the following; gradual onset, elevated AST and ALT, dilated sinusoidal with lymphocytic infiltration of liver parenchyma, non-obstructive jaundice, stable underlying liver disease and no radiological new hepatobiliary changes.

Source: World J Gastroenterol Hepatol Endosc, 3(3),1-6.