COVID-19 pandemic: Its impact on liver disease and liver transplantation

Sahin T. T., Akbulut A. S., Yilmaz S.

WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, vol.26, pp.2987-2999, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 26
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i22.2987
  • Journal Name: WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.2987-2999
  • Keywords: SARS-Cov-2, COVID-19, Acute liver injury, Chronic liver disease, Liver transplantation, Risk factors, ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME, SARS CORONAVIRUS, FUNCTIONAL RECEPTOR, CYTOKINE STORM, CLASS-II, PNEUMONIA, INFECTIONS, RESPONSES, INJURY, ACE2
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Severe pulmonary disease caused by the novel coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)], has devastated many countries around the world. It has overwhelmed the medical system. The priorities of many institutions have changed to manage critically ill corona virus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients, which affected the working style of many departments. Hepatologists and transplant surgeons look after a very sensitive patient group. Patients with liver disease need special attention and continuous follow-up. Similarly, transplant candidates also need special care. Healthcare professionals in the field of hepatology face the overwhelming task of taking care of COVID-19 patients with hepatic complications, liver disease or transplant patients who are SARS-CoV-2 positive, and the patients on routine surveillance who do not have COVID-19. This review will evaluate COVID-19 from the perspective of its effect on the liver and its possible effects on patients with liver disease. Furthermore, the level of care for liver transplant recipients during the pandemic will be discussed.