ABSTRACT
Patients with COVID-19 commonly have elevated liver enzyme levels, which is associated with adverse outcomes during hospitalization including increased risk of ICU admission, intubation, and mortality. When assessing these patients, it is important to consider causes of liver injury unrelated to COVID-19. Therapies for COVID-19 may increase liver enzyme levels but are not contraindicated in patients with baseline abnormal liver tests. Liver enzymes should be regularly monitored in all hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients with preexisting liver disease such as cirrhosis and those who have received a liver transplant may be an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Footnotes
The statements and opinions expressed in COVID-19 Curbside Consults are based on experience and the available literature as of the date posted. While we try to regularly update this content, any offered recommendations can-not be substituted for the clinical judgment of clinicians caring for individual patients.
- Copyright © 2020 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
- Sara El Ouali, MD⇑
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic
- Correspondence:
Sara El Ouali, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, A30, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; ELOUALS2{at}ccf.org
- Carlos Romero-Marrero, MD
- Miguel Regueiro, MD
ABSTRACT
Patients with COVID-19 commonly have elevated liver enzyme levels, which is associated with adverse outcomes during hospitalization including increased risk of ICU admission, intubation, and mortality. When assessing these patients, it is important to consider causes of liver injury unrelated to COVID-19. Therapies for COVID-19 may increase liver enzyme levels but are not contraindicated in patients with baseline abnormal liver tests. Liver enzymes should be regularly monitored in all hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients with preexisting liver disease such as cirrhosis and those who have received a liver transplant may be an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Footnotes
The statements and opinions expressed in COVID-19 Curbside Consults are based on experience and the available literature as of the date posted. While we try to regularly update this content, any offered recommendations can-not be substituted for the clinical judgment of clinicians caring for individual patients.
- Copyright © 2020 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.