Severe autoimmune hepatitis following recovery from COVID-19: a novel mode of liver injury triggered by SARS-COV-2?

Outcomes in Patients with Liver Dysfunction Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Should We Measure?

Aim

Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world. Early in the course of the pandemic, multiple hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 were noted. We aim to categorize hepatic dysfunction and its outcome in COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This is a review article based on a literature search in PubMed and Medline databases for articles detailing short-term and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 related liver dysfunction.

Results

The most common hepatic manifestation of COVID-19 was aspartate amino transferase (AST) predominant transaminase elevation. Transaminases improve once the COVID-19 infection resolves. In addition, COVID-19 cholangiopathy, autoimmune hepatitis associated COVID-19, and splanchnic venous thrombosis triggered by COVID-19 are other manifestations. Patients with preexisting liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have poor prognosis with COVID-19 infections compared to the general population. Elevations in liver tests were associated with severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Among patients with chronic liver disease, decompensated liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and alcohol-associated liver disease were associated with an increased risk of severity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Interactions between antiviral therapy for COVID-19 and hepatitis B/hepatitis C medications must be considered in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccination-related hepatic dysfunction has been reported.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is here to stay. Hepatic dysfunction in COVID-19 signals severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have higher mortality from COVID-19 than general population. It is important to remember the lessons learned throughout the covid pandemic to take care of patients with COVID-19 now and in the future. Further studies are needed to document long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19 who developed hepatic dysfunction.

COVID-19 and alcohol consumption: recommendations in the Omicron era

In the early stages of the pandemic, the first reports began that alcohol consumption could increase the risk of becoming infected and worsening the prognosis disease. This is for two reasons: behavioral and socio-economic factors that characterize a part of this population can be the cause of viral spread and a direct or indirect negative action of ethanol on the immune system. The data used for the preparation of these recommendations are based on a detailed analysis of the scientific literature published before March 31, 2022 (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar). Furthermore, in the process of developing this work, we consulted the guidelines/position papers of the Italian Society on Alcohol and of the World Health Organization. It has been confirmed that AC is in COVID-19 era a risky behavior and that AUD and substance use disorder (SUD) patients are certainly at greater risk of contracting infection and also of having a worse course. In light of what has been said, some recommendations can be made: correctly inform the general population that AC negatively interacts with COVID-19 infection; reducing the COVID-19 risk by advocating healthy lifestyle habits (smoke, diet, physical exercise, etc.) and preferential policies in population with comorbidities; implement actions that reduce the average consumption of alcohol by avoiding hazardous/harmful consumption. Abstention is better; identify alcohol consumption through a more in-depth alcohol history, using the AUDIT; AUDs patients are frail patients deserving a complete vaccination course; suggest a period of alcoholic abstention of at least thirty days before vaccination to be maintained for the following fifteen days; promoting health education campaigns for young people in order to promote vaccination culture and correct lifestyles.

Impact of COVID-19 on the liver and on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and liver transplantation: An updated EASL position paper

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a serious challenge to the hepatology community, particularly healthcare professionals and patients. While the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines and treatments has improved the clinical landscape, the emergence of the omicron variant has presented new challenges. Thus, it is timely that the European Association for the Study of the Liver provides a summary of the latest data on the impact of COVID-19 on the liver and issues guidance on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and previous liver transplantation, as the world continues to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.