A Comparative Analysis of Liver Injury Markers in Post-COVID Syndrome among Elderly Patients: A Prospective Study

Author:

Bota Adrian Vasile123,Bratosin Felix124ORCID,Bandi Satya Sai Sri5,Bogdan Iulia124,Razvan David Vladut12,Toma Ana-Olivia6,Indries Mirela Florica7,Csep Andrei Nicolae7,Cotoraci Coralia3,Prodan Mihaela28,Marc Felicia9,Ignuta Flavia12,Marincu Iosif1

Affiliation:

1. Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

2. Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

3. Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Bulevardul Revolutiei 94, 310025 Arad, Romania

4. Discipline of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

5. Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Suraram Main Road 138, Hyderabad 500055, India

6. Discipline of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

7. Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Strada Universitatii 1, 410087 Oradea, Romania

8. Department of Plastic Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

9. Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania

Abstract

Background: In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding its prolonged impact on vulnerable populations has become a critical area of investigation. This study aimed to elucidate the distinctive post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) and liver injury in Romania’s elderly population, hypothesizing unique demographic, clinical, and healthcare factors influencing the manifestation. Methods: A longitudinal design was employed, enrolling COVID-19 patients from the Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania. Participants were stratified into three groups based on age and Long COVID status. The study focused on a variety of demographic, clinical, and biological parameters, including liver function tests, to assess the trajectory and severity of liver injury over six months post discharge. Results: Involving 238 participants, the study revealed a significant increase in the duration of hospitalization for those over 65 (15.8 ± 8.2 days) compared to younger groups (p < 0.001). Notably, elderly Long COVID patients exhibited a marked elevation in liver enzymes post discharge, with median ΔALT and ΔAST of 24.1 U/L and 30.2 U/L, respectively, suggesting ongoing liver injury (p < 0.001). Significant metabolic disruptions were observed, with the ΔFasting glucose showing a substantial median decrease of 21.1 mmol/L in the elderly group (p < 0.001). A pronounced reduction in ΔGGT (16.7 U/L) and ΔLDH (48.7 U/L) was noted, indicating a recovery in liver function and reduced tissue damage (p < 0.001). Coagulation profiles and liver fibrosis risk scores, particularly ΔFIB-4 and ΔAPRI, also significantly improved post discharge, indicating a reduced risk of ongoing liver complications. Conclusion: This study confirms the hypothesis of more severe PASC and liver injury among the elderly Romanian population. Significant improvements post discharge suggest a degree of recovery, yet the persistent alterations in liver enzymes, glucose metabolism, and fibrosis risk scores call for continued monitoring and tailored management strategies.

Publisher

MDPI AG

Cited by 2 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3