EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON LIVER FUNCTION TESTS; RESULT FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To determine the changes in liver function tests if any in patients of COVID-19.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Apr 2020 to Jun 2020.

Methodology: A total of 209 confirmed cases of COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR patients presenting to Combined Military Hospital, Lahore were included in the study. Their demographic details were recorded. Patients were grouped into mild- moderate and severe disease groups according to the symptoms, complications and oxygen or ventilation requirements. Liver function tests of all these patients were advised.

Results: Amongst confirmed COVID-19 patients, 187 (89.5%) had mild to moderate disease whereas 22 patients (10.5%) had severe disease. Liver test abnormalities were defined as the elevation of the following liver enzymes in serum: ALT >42 U/L, AST >45 U/L, GGT >49 U/L, ALP >300 U/L, albumin<35g/L and total bilirubin (TBIL) >17.1. In LFTs, Bilirubin was increased in 20 (9.6%) patients), ALT in 32 (15.3%) patients, of which 8 had severe disease, 38 patients having high AST levels (>45) 28 had mild-moderate disease and 10 had severe disease. ALP was raised in 24 (11.5%) patients with 8 being in severe disease and rest in mild moderate disease. Albumin was low in 35 (16.7%) patients of which 12 had severe disease and 23 had mild-moderate disease.

Conclusion: About 15-20% of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 have deranged liver function tests and it correlates with severity of the disease.