Although COVID-19 was previously regarded as a respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause serious systemic consequences affecting major organs including the digestive system. This review has highlighted new clinically important data required for the gastroenterologist. The authors of the study reviewed the mechanisms of tissue injury seen with the SARS-CoV-2 virus; the consequences of immunosuppression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic liver disease with the additional risks of decompensation in patients with cirrhosis; the impact of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal emergencies, on gastrointestinal endoscopy, diagnosis and treatments. They also showed the importance of elucidating clinical pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutic implications of drugs commonly used by gastroenterologists and their association with COVID-19.

Then study summarized that SARS-CoV-2 virus may influence any part of the digestive system. Moreover, patients with pre-existing disease are at highest risk of adverse outcomes. The risk for drug-drug interactions is significant in patients seriously ill with COVID-19 who often require mechanical ventilation and life support. Moreover, few repurposed drugs used in the management of COVID-19 can predispose or aggravate certain COVID-19-related gastrointestinal symptoms and which in turn, can induce liver injury. More studies are required to identify efficacious drugs with a favourable risk-benefit ratio in comparison to previously used treatments.

Source: Hunt RH, East JE, Lanas A, Malfertheiner P, Satsangi J, Scarpignato C, Webb GJ. COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Disease: Implications for the Gastroenterologist. Dig Dis. 2021;39(2):119-139.