Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of COVID-19 on liver function in intensive care unit (ICU) patients to better understand the hepatic condition in severe cases.
Methods: This retrospective study considered the results of liver function tests from ICU patients aged 30-90 years who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia during the months of October and November 2020. Patients were compared to a control group using the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: Biochemical tests revealed several differences in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase all exhibited significant elevation among patients. Total protein and albumin levels were reduced. Alkaline phosphatase levels were not statistically different between groups. Analysis of total and direct bilirubin revealed a significant increase only in direct bilirubin.
Conclusion: Hepatocellular injury is prevalent in critically ill COVID-19 patients (e.g. ICU patients). This study illustrated several altered parameters that can possibly predict disease severity and serve as biomarkers for liver injury.

Key words: liver biomarkers, liver injury, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, intensive care unit (ICU)