BMC Gastroenterology (Oct 2021)

Intriguing findings of liver fibrosis following COVID-19

  • Oksana Kolesova,
  • Ieva Vanaga,
  • Sniedze Laivacuma,
  • Aleksejs Derovs,
  • Aleksandrs Kolesovs,
  • Maija Radzina,
  • Ardis Platkajis,
  • Jelena Eglite,
  • Elvira Hagina,
  • Seda Arutjunana,
  • Davis Simanis Putrins,
  • Jelena Storozenko,
  • Baiba Rozentale,
  • Ludmila Viksna

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-021-01939-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background Studies on a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) show the elevation of liver enzymes and liver fibrosis index (FIB-4) independently on pre-existing liver diseases. It points to increased liver fibrogenesis during acute COVID-19 with possible long-term consequences. This study aimed to assess liver fibrosis in COVID-19 patients by serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and FIB-4. Methods The study included the acute COVID-19 group (66 patients, 50% females, mean age 58.3 ± 14.6), the post-COVID group (58 patients in 3–6 months after the recovery, 47% females, mean age 41.2 ± 13.4), and a control group (17 people, 47% females, mean age 42.8 ± 11.0). Ultrasound elastography was performed in the post-COVID and control groups. Results Sixty-five percent of the acute COVID-19 group had increased FIB-4 (> 1.45), and 38% of patients had FIB-4 ≥ 3.25. After matching by demographics, 52% of acute COVID-19 and 5% of the post-COVID group had FIB-4 > 1.45, and 29% and 2% of patients had FIB-4 ≥ 3.25, respectively. Increased serum HA (≥ 75 ng/ml) was observed in 54% of the acute COVID-19 and 15% of the post-COVID group. In the acute COVID-19 group, HA positively correlated with FIB-4, AST, ALT, LDH, IL-6, and ferritin and negatively with blood oxygen saturation. In the post-COVID group, HA did not correlate with FIB-4, but it was positively associated with higher liver stiffness and ALT. Conclusion More than half of acute COVID-19 patients had increased serum HA and FIB-4 related to liver function tests, inflammatory markers, and blood oxygen saturation. It provides evidence for the induction of liver fibrosis by multiple factors during acute COVID-19. Findings also indicate possible liver fibrosis in about 5% of the post-COVID group.

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