Liver Involvement in COVID-19

Pathikparikh 11 Apr, 2020Health

The disease is primarily responsible for causing lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS. In the 1.4 million cases noted so far #liver involvement is also seen. The cells of the bile duct contain the same receptors as the ones present in lung by which the virus causes lung damage. Theoretically, it was expected to cause damage by the same mechanism � ACE2 receptors. However, practically we have not noted significant liver injury. No case of #LiverFailure caused by the virus per se is noted. There is rise in transaminases and non-specific abnormalities are noted in #LiverFunctionTests or #LiverProfile. Most studies have found elevation of AST and total bilirubin similar to injury caused by other non hepatotrophic viruses. Initially believed to be caused by virus or our own immune system, a recent paper said it is more of a �collateral damage� or a bystander injury.