Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Background and study aim: Elevation of liver chemistries in COVID19 infection has been documented worldwide. Our aim was to assess the impact of COVID19 on patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Patients and Methods:A total of 100 COVID19 patients (70 CLD patients and 30 non-CLD patients) were enrolled in a retrospective study to evaluate baseline and follow-up clinical and laboratory characteristics during 2020-2022. Results:CLD patients had higher frequency of severe disease, ICU admission, non-invasive and mechanical ventilation and prolonged ICU stay. No significant differences between both groups regarding baseline and follow-up and clinical and laboratory data. Each group showed mild raised baseline liver enzymes and serum bilirubin levels with post-recovery improvement without statistical significance. Conclusion:Severe infection, and prolonged hospital/ICU stay were higher in COVID19 patients with underling CLD. Monitoring of those high risk patients is a matter of worry increasing their diagnostic and therapeutic burden.