CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH SEVERE COVID-19 AND CIRRHOSIS OR LIVER TRANSPLANT IN A BRAZILIAN QUATERNARY CENTER

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Specific associations between liver cirrhosis and liver transplant with poorer outcomes in COVID-19 are still not completely clear. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 and cirrhosis or liver transplant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a quaternary hospital. Patients with COVID-19 and liver cirrhosis or liver transplant were selected. The clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as the outcomes, were assessed using electronic records. Results: A total of 46 patients with COVID-19 and liver condition were included in the study. Patients with liver cirrhosis had significantly more endotracheal intubation and a higher relative risk of death than liver transplant recipients. Patients with higher MELD-Na scores had increased death rates and lower survival probability and survival time. Conclusion: Patients with liver cirrhosis, especially those with higher MELD-Na scores, had poorer outcomes in COVID-19. Liver transplant recipients do not seem to be linked to poorer COVID-19 outcomes.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• pandemics
• liver cirrhosis
• liver transplantation
• outcome research