Abstract
Introduction/Aim: The impact of chronic viral hepatitis on COVID-19 has not been fully clarified yet. The aim of this paper was to analyze the clinical features, course and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and to determine the risk factors for unfavorable outcome. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in which the case group included patients with chronic viral hepatitis suffering from COVID-19, while the control group included patients with chronic liver diseases of other etiologies; the patients were matched according to the stage of the liver disease. All subjects were treated at the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade from 1st March 2020 to 1st March 1 2022. Results: Seventy-five patients with chronic liver diseases suffering from COVID-19 were analyzed - 25 with chronic viral hepatitis (13 HBV, 12 HCV) - case group, and 50 in the control group. In the case group, there were more males (76% vs. 72%) and younger patients (53.5±15.1 vs. 57.9±13.4 years), whereas in the control group there were more overweight patients (36% vs. 20%). In relation to comorbidities, there were more subjects with endocrinological diseases in the control group. The groups did not differ in terms of the severity of clinical features and the outcome of COVID-19. Risk factors for severe form of COVID-19 and lethal outcome were: cirrhosis, active liver disease, high fever, dyspnea, whereas vaccination was a protective factor against COVID-19. Conclusion: The course and outcome of COVID-19 is similar in people with chronic liver diseases. Risk factors for poor outcome include advanced liver disease and dyspnea, while vaccination is a protective factor.
Publisher
Centre for Evaluation in Education and Science (CEON/CEES)
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