COVID-19 AND CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

During the clinical course of COVID-19, liver injury has been observed in a significant proportion of patients, particularly those in severe or critical condition. Evidence suggests that patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) face greater challenges in managing COVID-19 and are more susceptible to liver damage. For instance, individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those with metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and obesity, are at high risk of severe COVID-19. Similarly, patients with cirrhosis not only belong to this high-risk category but are also more prone to infection and liver function decompensation.