Sars cov-2 infection and liver tests: a retrospective analysis according to severity

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 disease, classified by the WHO as mild, moderate, severe and critical, causes liver damage manifested by abnormal liver tests. Objective: to determine the relationship between the severity of SARS CoV-2 infection and changes in liver tests. Methods: cross-sectional correlational descriptive observational study, made up of adults, both sexes, admitted to the La Trinidad Teaching Medical Center with confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, in March 2021. Results: 276 patients with COVID19 infection were studied, with a mean age of 56.4 ± 15.8 years, a predominance of the male sex. Total bilirubin, in mild patients without alteration, moderate 4/9 (44.4%), severe 6/16 (37.5%) and critical 22/23 (95.7%) with elevation. Direct and Indirect Bilirubin, critical patient 1/2 presented elevation of both. Alanine aminotransferase, patients Mild, 28/85 (32.9%), moderate, 82/117 (70.1%), severe, 35/45 (77.8%) and critical, 23/29 (79.3%) with elevated ALT. Aspartate aminotransferase, patients Mild, 16/85 (18.8%), moderate, 74/117 (63.2%), severe, 36/45 (80%) and critical, 28/29 (96.6%) with elevation. Alkaline phosphatase, moderate, 2/4 elevated. Gamma-Glutamyl transferase, in moderate 4/4 elevated. Albumin, in Mild, 2/83 (2.4%), moderate, 59/117 (50.4%), severe: 37/45 (82.2%) and critical, 29/29 (100%) presented hypoalbuminemia. Conclusions: the association between the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver tests are statistically significant, characterized by elevation of AST, ALT, BT and hypoalbuminemia.