Covid-19 has various effects on the body, some yielding more severe consequences than others. The main effects of the virus usually pertain to the upper respiratory system, with a few of these being cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include fatigue and headache. However, the symptoms could be more severe depending on the presence of pre-existing conditions before contracting the infection.
Covid-19’s Effect on Cerebrovascular Disease
A cerebrovascular disease is a group of diseases that affect the blood vessels and flow within the brain. When patients with cerebrovascular disease contract Covid-19, there is an increased risk of stroke. This is due to the pre-existing pro-inflammatory state. The outcome for these patients is poor, as the pre-existing cerebrovascular
disease is associated with increased ICU admissions and mortality. The exact reason for these poor outcomes is still unknown, but studies have shown that comorbidities such as hypertension increase the risk.
Study Used- Patel, U., Malik, P., Shah, D., Patel, A., Dhamoon, M., & Jani, V. (2020). Pre-existing cerebrovascular disease and poor outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalized patients: A meta-analysis. Journal of Neurology, 268(1), 240-247. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-10141-w
Covid-19’s Effects on Liver
The severity of outcomes in liver disease patients with Covid19 varies depending on the liver disease.
Studies have shown that patients with comorbidities (e.g. hypertension, chronic kidney disease, etc) had increased levels of serum liver enzymes AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) and ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and abnormal coagulation profiles when infected with Covid19. Patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have an increased risk of Covid19 infection. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are at an even greater risk of mortality due to their cancerous state and cirrhosis.
Thus, the severity of the symptoms and the outcome of the patient vary based on the type of liver disease and the presence of comorbidities.
Author: Arvind Mushti
Study Used-
Panel Praveen Sharma Ashish Kumar Shri Hari Anikhindi Naresh Bansal Vikas Singla Khare Shivam Anil Arora, A. L.
COVID-19 is characterized by predominant respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Liver enzyme derangement is seen in 15–55% of the patients. Advanced age. (2020, December 31). Effect of COVID-19 on Pre-existing Liver disease: What Hepatologists Should Know? Retrieved from https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0973688320301869?token=FF727F4BA1B63E413368
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