Association of COVID-19 with hepatic injury prevalence and associated factors

Novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), was reported by the WHO as a pandemic in March 2020. It was associated with liver injury in up to 50% of patients. retrospective cohort study to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of liver injury among patients with COVID-19. We include 2319 consecutive COVID-19 patients from April 2020 to November 2020. Liver function tests were performed at baseline, 24–48 h after admission, and before mortality/discharge. We compared Saudis and non-Saudis, in the admission rate, serum ALT level, morbidity, and mortality. Serum ALT was compared between, sexes, between admitted and non-admitted patients, and between deceased and survivors. Men were predominant (1356 [58.5%]) and non-Saudis (1328 [57.3%]). The mean (SD) age was 41.67 18.3 years (18-100). One-third of the patients had comorbidities, and 1022 (44.1%) required hospital admission. Intensive care unit (ICU) transfer was required in 185/1022 (18%) . Male and non-Saudi were most likely to be transferred to the ICU (P<0.001). Hepatocellular liver injury was found in 797 (34.4%) patients. Male and admitted patients were more likely to have hepatic injury (P=0.001). The mortality rate among admitted patients was 17.8% (182/1022). Mortality was associated with older age and hepatic injury (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively).