Prospective Latin American cohort evaluating outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and abnormal liver tests on admission

Latin American association for the study of the liver (ALEH) guidance on postoperative care after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is a well-established therapy for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver transplantation activity varies sharply across Latin American (LATAM) countries due to differences in resources, expertise, and funding and local attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation. This current guidance of postoperative care after LT is the first position paper of the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (ALEH) Special Interest Group (SIG), drawing evidence-based recommendations regarding immediate and long-term postoperative care of LT recipients, taking into consideration their applicability in Latin America.

Mortality risk in patients with obesity and COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity is a risk factor for severe respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 infection. Meta-analyses on mortality risk were inconsistent. We systematically searched 3 databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL) and assessed the quality of studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool (CRD42020220140). We included 199 studies from US and Europe, with a mean age of participants 41.8-78.2 years, and a variable prevalence of metabolic co-morbidities of 20-80 %. Exceptionally, one third of the studies had a low prevalence of obesity of <20 %. Compared to patients with normal weight, those with obesity had a 34 % relative increase in the odds of mortality (p-value 0.002), with a dose-dependent relationship. Subgroup analyses showed an interaction with the country income. There was a high heterogeneity in the results, explained by clinical and methodologic variability across studies. We identified one trial only comparing mortality rate in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated patients with obesity; there was a trend for a lower mortality in the former group. Mortality risk in COVID-19 infection increases in parallel to an increase in BMI. BMI should be included in the predictive models and stratification scores used when considering mortality as an outcome in patients with COVID-19 infections. Furthermore, patients with obesity might need to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination.

Liver function tests at admission as marker of severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients - A retrospective analysis

Introduction

With evolving pandemic, a substantial proportion of patients are presenting with liver dysfunction as an extra-pulmonary manifestation of COVID-19 illness. We planned this study to evaluate the incidence of liver dysfunction in COVID-19 pneumonia and find an association between abnormal liver function and the severity of the disease.

Method

We retrospectively analysed the hospital records of 344 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 illness admitted to a Dedicated COVID Hospital in North India.

Results

Out of 344 patients included in the study, 59.9% were males. The abnormal liver functions were present in 78.49% of patients at admission. Mean age of the patient with liver dysfunction was 53.41 ± 15.71 years. The incidence of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hypoalbuminemia was 82.96%, 74.91%, and 69.7%, respectively, in patients with COVID-19 at admission. A positive correlation was found between the levels of AST, ALT and hypoalbuminemia with severity of disease. Mortality was 33% in patients with liver dysfunction in comparison to 18.9% in patients with normal liver functions.

Conclusion

More than 75% of the patient had abnormal liver functions at admission, and mortality was also high in this group. Mortality can be effectively reduced if laboratory parameters such as elevated AST and ALT and hypoalbuminemia are closely monitored at admission and during hospital stay in patients with risk factors like male, age <55 years and HTN.

Risk Factors for Mortality of Hospitalized Adult Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Two-Year Cohort Study in a Private Tertiary Care Center in Mexico

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the high prevalence of comorbidities and the disparities between the public and private health subsystems in Mexico substantially contributed to the severe impact of the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the risk factors at admission for in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19. A 2-year retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was conducted at a private tertiary care center. The study population consisted of 1258 patients with a median age of 56 ± 16.5 years, of whom 1093 recovered (86.8%) and 165 died (13.1%). In the univariate analysis, older age (p < 0.001), comorbidities such as hypertension (p < 0.001) and diabetes (p < 0.001), signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, and markers of acute inflammatory response were significantly more frequent in non-survivors. The multivariate analysis showed that older age (p < 0.001), the presence of cyanosis (p = 0.005), and previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.032) were independent predictors of mortality. In the studied cohort, the risk factors present at admission associated with increased mortality were older age, cyanosis, and a previous myocardial infarction, which can be used as valuable predictors for patients' outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients attended in a private tertiary hospital in Mexico.

Prevention, diagnostic evaluation, management and prognostic implications of liver disease in critically ill patients with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, broke out in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China and spread rapidly worldwide. Therefore, by March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the disease a global pandemic. Apart from the respiratory system, various other organs of the human body are also seriously affected by the virus. Liver injury in patients with a severe form of COVID-19 is estimated to be 14.8%-53.0%. Elevated levels of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and low levels of serum albumin and prealbumin are the main laboratory findings. Patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are much more prone to develop severe liver injury. This literature review presented the recent scientific findings regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for liver injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19, the various interactions between drugs used to treat the disease and the function of the liver and the specific tests providing the possibility of early diagnosis of severe liver injury in these patients. Moreover, it highlighted the burden that COVID-19 put on health systems worldwide and its effect on transplant programs and the care provided to critically ill patients in general and particularly to those with chronic liver disease.

MINIMAL LIVER ENZYMES ABNORMALITIES AT ADMISSION ARE RELATED TO SEVERE COVID-19 CLINICAL COURSE IN A LARGE BRAZILIAN COHORT

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease, primarily affecting the respiratory system. Liver involvement is frequent, but the impact on the clinical course and outcomes are controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess liver function at the admission and evaluate its effects on severity and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of hospitalized patients in a tertiary hospital in Brazil, with a PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between April and October 2020. 1080 out of 1229 patients had liver enzymes on admission and were divided in two cohorts, based on the presence or absence of abnormal liver enzymes (ALE). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, clinical severity, and mortality were evaluated. Patients were followed until discharge, death or transfer to another institution.

RESULTS

Median age was 60 years and 51.5% were male. The more frequent comorbidities were hypertension (51.2%), and diabetes (31.6%). Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis were present in 8.6% and 2.3%, respectively. ALE (aminotransferases higher than 40 IU/L) were present in 56.9% of patients [mild (1-2 times): 63.9%; moderate (2-5 times): 29.8%; severe (>5 times): 6.3%]. Male gender [RR 1.49, P=0.007], increased total bilirubin [RR 1.18, P<0.001] and chronic liver disease [RR 1.47, P=0.015] were predictors of abnormal aminotransferases on admission. Patients with ALE had a higher risk of disease severity [RR 1.19; P=0.004]. There was no association among ALE and mortality.

CONCLUSION

ALE is common in COVID-19 hospitalized patients and were independently correlated with severe COVID-19. Even mild ALE at admission may be a severity prognostic marker.

COVID-19 associated liver injury: A general review with special consideration of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes

Liver injury is an increasingly recognized extra-pulmonary manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated liver injury (COVALI) is a clinical syndrome encompassing all patients with biochemical liver injury identified in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite profound clinical implications, its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Unfortunately, most information on COVALI is derived from the general population and may not be applicable to individuals under-represented in research, including pregnant individuals. This manuscript reviews: Clinical features of COVALI, leading theories of COVALI, and existing literature on COVALI during pregnancy, a topic not widely explored in the literature. Ultimately, we synthesized data from the general and perinatal populations that demonstrates COVALI to be a hepatocellular transaminitis that is likely induced by systemic inflammation and that is strongly associated with disease severity and poorer clinical outcome, and offered perspective on approaching transaminitis in the potentially COVID-19 positive patient in the obstetric setting.

Effects of COVID-19 on the liver: The experience of a single center

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was perhaps the most severe global health crisis in living memory. Alongside respiratory symptoms, elevated liver enzymes, abnormal liver function, and even acute liver failure were reported in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 pneumonia. However, the precise triggers of these forms of liver damage and how they affect the course and outcomes of COVID-19 itself remain unclear.

AIM

To analyze the impact of liver enzyme abnormalities on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

In this study, 684 depersonalized medical records from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 period were analyzed. COVID-19 was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health (2021). Patients were assigned to two groups: those with elevated liver enzymes (Group 1: 603 patients), where at least one out of four liver enzymes were elevated (following the norm of hospital laboratory tests: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 40, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≥ 40, gamma-glutamyl transferase ≥ 36, or alkaline phosphatase ≥ 150) at any point of hospitalization, from admission to discharge; and the control group (Group 2: 81 patients), with normal liver enzymes during hospitalization. COVID-19 severity was assessed according to the interim World Health Organization guidance (2022). Data on viral pneumonia complications, laboratory tests, and underlying diseases were also collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 603 (88.2%) patients produced abnormal liver test results. ALT and AST levels were elevated by a factor of less than 3 in 54.9% and 74.8% of cases with increased enzyme levels, respectively. Patients in Group 1 had almost double the chance of bacterial viral pneumonia complications [odds ratio (OR) = 1.73, P = 0.0217], required oxygen supply more often, and displayed higher biochemical inflammation indices than those in Group 2. No differences in other COVID-19 complications or underlying diseases were observed between groups. Preexisting hepatitis of a different etiology was rarely documented (in only 3.5% of patients), and had no impact on the severity of COVID-19. Only 5 (0.73%) patients experienced acute liver failure, 4 of whom died. Overall, the majority of the deceased patients (17 out of 20) had elevated liver enzymes, and most were male. All deceased patients had at least one underlying disease or combination thereof, and the deceased suffered significantly more often from heart diseases, hypertension, and urinary tract infections than those who made recoveries. Alongside male gender (OR = 1.72, P = 0.0161) and older age (OR = 1.02, P = 0.0234), diabetes (OR = 3.22, P = 0.0016) and hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.67, P = 0.0238), but not obesity, were confirmed as independent factors associated with more a severe COVID-19 infection in our cohort.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the presence of liver impairment allows us to predict a more severe inflammation with a higher risk of bacterial complication and worse outcomes of COVID-19. Therefore, patients with severe disease forms should have their liver tests monitored regularly and their results should be considered when selecting treatment to avoid further liver damage or even insufficiency.

A Systematic Review of SARS-CoV-2-Associated Hepatic Dysfunction and the Impact on the Clinical Outcome of COVID-19

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.

Predictors and microbiology of respiratory and bloodstream bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19: living rapid review update and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19 is low, however, empiric antibiotic use is high. Risk stratification may be needed to minimize unnecessary empiric antibiotic use.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors and microbiology associated with respiratory and bloodstream bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, OVID Epub and EMBASE for published literature up to 5 February 2021.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies including at least 50 patients with COVID-19 in any healthcare setting.

METHODS

We used a validated ten-item risk of bias tool for disease prevalence. The main outcome of interest was the proportion of COVID-19 patients with bloodstream and/or respiratory bacterial co-infection and secondary infection. We performed meta-regression to identify study population factors associated with bacterial infection including healthcare setting, age, comorbidities and COVID-19 medication.

RESULTS

Out of 33 345 studies screened, 171 were included in the final analysis. Bacterial infection data were available from 171 262 patients. The prevalence of co-infection was 5.1% (95% CI 3.6-7.1%) and secondary infection was 13.1% (95% CI 9.8-17.2%). There was a higher odds of bacterial infection in studies with a higher proportion of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) (adjusted OR 18.8, 95% CI 6.5-54.8). Female sex was associated with a lower odds of secondary infection (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97) but not co-infection (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.80-1.37). The most common organisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Klebsiella species.

CONCLUSIONS

While the odds of respiratory and bloodstream bacterial infection are low in patients with COVID-19, meta-regression revealed potential risk factors for infection, including ICU setting and mechanical ventilation. The risk for secondary infection is substantially greater than the risk for co-infection in patients with COVID-19. Understanding predictors of co-infection and secondary infection may help to support improved antibiotic stewardship in patients with COVID-19.

Liver function as a predictor of mortality in COVID-19: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

In many studies, varying degrees of liver damage have been reported in more than half of the COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of liver biochemical parameters abnormality on mortality in critical COVID-19 patients who have been followed in the ICU since the beginning of the pandemic process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study 533 critical patients who admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 were included. The patients were divided into three groups according to their ALT, AST, and total bilirubin levels at their admission to the ICU. Group 1 was formed of patients with normal liver biochemical parameters values; Group 2 was formed of patients with liver biochemical parameters abnormality; Group 3 was formed of patients with liver injury.

RESULTS

353 (66.2%) of all patients died. Neutrophil, aPTT, CRP, LDH, CK, ALT, AST, bilirubin, procalcitonin and ferritin values in Group 2 and Group 3 were found to be statistically significantly higher than Group 1. It was detected that the days of stay in ICU of the patients in Group 1 was statistically significantly longer than others group. It was found that the patients in Groups 2 and 3 had higher total, 7-day, and 28-day mortality rates than expected.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that liver disfunction was associated with higher mortality and shorter ICU occupation time.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 as Cause of Viral Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a heterogeneous disease most frequently causing respiratory tract infection, which can induce respiratory failure and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in its severe forms. The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019-related sepsis is still unclear; we aimed to describe this in a systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched based on a prespecified protocol (International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews: CRD42020202018).

STUDY SELECTION

Studies reporting on patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosed with sepsis according to sepsis-3 or according to the presence of infection-related organ dysfunctions necessitating organ support/replacement were included in the analysis. The primary end point was prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019-related sepsis among adults hospitalized in the ICU and the general ward. Among secondary end points were the need for ICU admission among patients initially hospitalized in the general ward and the prevalence of new onset of organ dysfunction in the ICU. Outcomes were expressed as proportions with respective 95% CI.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed existing literature and assessed study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Methodological index for nonrandomized studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 3,825 articles, 151 were analyzed, only five of which directly reported sepsis prevalence. Noting the high heterogeneity observed, coronavirus disease 2019-related sepsis prevalence was 77.9% (95% CI, 75.9-79.8; I2 = 91%; 57 studies) in the ICU, and 33.3% (95% CI, 30.3-36.4; I2 = 99%; 86 studies) in the general ward. ICU admission was required for 17.7% (95% CI, 12.9-23.6; I2 = 100%) of ward patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was the most common organ dysfunction in the ICU (87.5%; 95% CI, 83.3-90.7; I2 = 98%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of coronavirus disease 2019 patients hospitalized in the ICU meet Sepsis-3 criteria and present infection-associated organ dysfunction. The medical and scientific community should be aware and systematically report viral sepsis for prognostic and treatment implications.

Comparison of different prognostic scores for patients with cirrhosis hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Viral infections have been described to increase the risk of decompensation in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to determine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on outcome of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and to compare the performance of different prognostic models for predicting mortality.

PATIENTS

We performed a prospective cohort study including 2211 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 15, 2020 through October 1, 2020 in 38 Hospitals from 11 Latin American countries. We registered clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with and without cirrhosis. All patients were followed until discharge or death. We evaluated the prognostic performance of different scoring systems to predict mortality in patients with cirrhosis using ROC curves.

RESULTS

Overall, 4.6% (CI 3.7-5.6) subjects had cirrhosis (n = 96). Baseline Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class was assessed: CTP-A (23%), CTP-B (45%) and CTP-C (32%); median MELD-Na score was 19 (IQR 14-25). Mortality was 47% in patients with cirrhosis and 16% in patients without cirrhosis (P < .0001). Cirrhosis was independently associated with death [OR 3.1 (CI 1.9-4.8); P < .0001], adjusted by age, gender, and body mass index >30. The areas under the ROC curves for performance evaluation in predicting 28-days mortality for Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (CLIF-C), North American Consortium for the Study of End-Stage Liver Disease (NACSELD), CTP score and MELD-Na were 0.85, 0.75, 0.69, 0.67; respectively (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with elevated mortality in patients with cirrhosis. CLIF-C had better performance in predicting mortality than NACSELD, CTP and MELD-Na in patients with cirrhosis and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT04358380.

Clinical outcomes in COVID-19 and cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 continues to pose a significant healthcare challenge throughout the world. Comorbidities including diabetes and hypertension are associated with a significantly higher mortality risk. However, the effect of cirrhosis on COVID-19 outcomes has yet to be systematically assessed.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the reported clinical outcomes of patients with cirrhosis who develop COVID-19 infection.

DESIGN/METHOD

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies included up to 3 February 2021. All English language primary research articles that reported clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and COVID-19 were included. The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognostic Score (QUIPS) risk-of-bias assessment instrument for prognostic factor studies template. Meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane RevMan V.5.4 software using a random effects model.

RESULTS

63 studies were identified reporting clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and concomitant COVID-19. Meta-analysis of cohort studies which report a non-cirrhotic comparator yielded a pooled mortality OR of 2.48 (95% CI: 2.02 to 3.04). Analysis of a subgroup of studies reporting OR for mortality in hospitalised patients adjusted for significant confounders found a pooled adjusted OR 1.81 (CI: 1.36 to 2.42).

CONCLUSION

Cirrhosis is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in COVID-19 infection compared to non-cirrhotic patients. Patients with cirrhosis should be considered for targeted public health interventions to prevent COVID-19 infection, such as shielding and prioritisation of vaccination.

Abnormal Liver Tests during Hospitalization Predict Mortality in Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Study from South America

BACKGROUND

The role of liver function tests (LFT) as prognostic factors in patients admitted with COVID-19 has not been fully investigated, particularly outside resource-rich countries. We aimed at evaluating the prognostic value of abnormal LFT on admission and during hospitalization of patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study that included 298 adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19, between 05/2020 and 02/2021, in 6 hospitals from 5 countries in South America. We analyzed demographic and comorbid variables and laboratory tests on admission and during hospitalization. LFT over twice the upper limit of normal (ALEx2) were also evaluated in relation to a variety of factors on admission and during hospitalization. De novo-ALEx2 was defined as the presence of ALEx2 at one week of hospitalization in patients without ALEx2 on admission. Patients were followed until hospital discharge or death. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the association between ALEx2 on admission and during hospitalization and mortality.

RESULTS

Of the total of 298 patients, 60% were male, with a mean age of 60 years, and 74% of patients had at least one comorbidity. Of those, 137 (46%) patients were transferred to the intensive care unit and 66 (22.1%) patients died during hospitalization. ALEx2 on admission was present in 87 (29.2%) patients and was found to be independently associated with 1-week mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 3.55; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.05-12.05). Moreover, 84 (39.8%) out of 211 patients without ALEx2 at admission developed de novo-ALEx2, which was independently associated with mortality during second week of hospitalization (OR = 6.09; 95%CI 1.28-29) and overall mortality (OR = 2.93, 95%CI 1.05-8.19).

CONCLUSIONS

A moderate elevation of LFT during admission was associated with a poor short-term prognosis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. In addition, moderate elevation of LFT at one week of hospitalization was an independent risk factor for overall mortality in these patients.

Longitudinal Analysis of the Utility of Liver Biochemistry as Prognostic Markers in Hospitalized Patients With Corona Virus Disease 2019

The association of liver biochemistry with clinical outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is currently unclear, and the utility of longitudinally measured liver biochemistry as prognostic markers for mortality is unknown. We aimed to determine whether abnormal liver biochemistry, assessed at baseline and at repeat measures over time, was associated with death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19, in a United Kingdom population. We extracted routinely collected clinical data from a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom, matching 585 hospitalized patients who were SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive to 1,165 hospitalized patients who were RT-PCR negative for age, sex, ethnicity, and preexisting comorbidities. A total of 26.8% (157/585) of patients with COVID-19 died compared to 11.9% (139/1,165) in the group without COVID-19 (P < 0.001). At presentation, a significantly higher proportion of the group with COVID-19 had elevated alanine aminotransferase (20.7% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.004) and hypoalbuminemia (58.7% vs. 35.0%, P < 0.001) compared to the group without COVID-19. Within the group with COVID-19, those with hypoalbuminemia at presentation had 1.83-fold increased hazards of death compared to those with normal albumin (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.67), while the hazard of death was ~4-fold higher in those aged ≥75 years (adjusted HR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.59-6.04) and ~3-fold higher in those with preexisting liver disease (adjusted HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.58-7.16). In the group with COVID-19, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased (R = 0.192, P < 0.0001) and albumin declined (R = -0.123, P = 0.0004) over time in patients who died. Conclusion: In this United Kingdom population, liver biochemistry is commonly deranged in patients with COVID-19. Baseline hypoalbuminemia and rising ALP over time could be prognostic markers for death, but investigation of larger cohorts is required to develop a better understanding of the relationship between liver biochemistry and disease outcome.

The Liver and COVID-19 in Mexico

Content available: Author Interview and Audio Recording.

Coronavirus Disease-2019 Survival in Mexico: A Cohort Study on the Interaction of the Associated Factors

The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently affecting more than 200 countries. The most lethal clinical presentation is respiratory insufficiency, requiring attention in intensive care units (ICU). The most susceptible people are over 60 years old with comorbidities. The health systems organization may represent a transcendental role in survival. Objective: To analyze the correlation of sociodemographic factors, comorbidities and health system organization variables with survival in cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the first 7 months of the pandemic in Mexico. Methods: The cohort study was performed in a health system public basis from March 1st to September 30th, 2020. The included subjects were positive for the SARS-CoV-2 test, and the target variable was mortality in 60 days. The risk variables studied were: age, sex, geographic distribution, comorbidities, health system, hospitalization, and access to ICU. Bivariate statistics (X2-test), calculation of fatality rates, survival analyses and adjustment of confusing variables with Cox proportional-hazards were performed. Results: A total of 753,090 subjects were analyzed, of which the 52% were men. There were 78,492 deaths (10.3% of general fatality and 43% inpatient). The variables associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality were age (from 60 years onwards), care in public sectors, geographic areas with higher numbers of infection and endotracheal intubation without management in the ICU. Conclusions: The variables associated with a lower survival in cases affected by SARS-CoV-2 were age, comorbidities, and respiratory insufficiency (with endotracheal intubation without care in the ICU). Additionally, an interaction was observed between the geographic location and health sector where they were treated.

Liver dysfunction and SARS-CoV-2 infection

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which predominantly affects the respiratory system; it also causes systemic and multi-organic disease. Liver damage is among the main extrapulmonary manifestations. COVID-19-associated liver injury is defined as any liver damage occurring during the disease course and treatment of COVID-19 in patients with or without pre-existing liver disease, and occurs in approximately one in five patients. Abnormal liver test results have been associated with a more severe course of COVID-19 and other complications, including death. Mechanisms linking COVID-19 to liver injury are diverse. Particular consideration should be made for patients with pre-existing liver disease, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, chronic liver disease due to viral or autoimmune disease, liver transplant carriers, or cirrhosis, given the risk for more severe outcomes. This manuscript summarizes the current lines of evidence on COVID-19-associated liver injury regarding pathophysiology, clinical significance, and management in both patients with or without pre-existing liver disease, to facilitate clinicians' access to updated information and patient care. Finally, we mention the ideas and recommendations to be considered for future research.

Interplay between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and inflammatory mediators in COVID-19-related liver injury

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic and poses a major threat to human health worldwide. In addition to respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 is usually accompanied by systemic inflammation and liver damage in moderate and severe cases. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins, participating in COVID-19-mediated inflammation and liver injury. Here, we show the novel reciprocal regulation between NRF2 and inflammatory mediators associated with COVID-19-related liver injury. Additionally, we describe some mechanisms and treatment strategies.