Open AccessCoronavirus disease 2019 gastrointestinal and liver manifestations in adults: A review
Author(s) -
Sirinawasatien Apichet,
Chantarojanasiri Tanyaporn,
Ekpanyapong Sirina,
Tivatunsakul Naris,
Luvira Viravarn
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jgh open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 2397-9070
DOI - 10.1002/jgh3.12671
Subject(s) - medicine , disease , gastrointestinal bleeding , diarrhea , liver disease , decompensation , gastrointestinal disease , pandemic , coronavirus , adverse effect , gastroenterology , gastrointestinal system , nausea , intensive care medicine , covid-19 , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an important health problem that has a serious adverse impact on the global economy and healthcare systems. The virus is not only involved in the respiratory system, but also causes other systemic effects as well as several gastrointestinal and liver issues. Evidence has shown direct viral invasion into the gastrointestinal tissue and supporting vascular network, causing various manifestations such as diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and abnormal liver function tests. The degree of gastrointestinal injury, especially in terms of liver involvement, is correlated with disease severity. There is no specific treatment for gastrointestinal involvement, and the symptoms can be managed with supportive therapy. Moreover, increased liver decompensation and mortality can be found in COVID‐19‐infected patients with coexisting liver disease. As the virus can be identified in gastrointestinal contents, endoscopic procedures during the pandemic should be carefully selected and proper protection strategies should be encouraged to prevent viral transmission.