Derangements of Liver Enzymes in a Study of 201 COVID‑19 Patients in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

Abstract

Background: Several studies reveal abnormalities in liver function tests of COVID-19 patients. However, there are little data on African patients.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate liver function tests (LFT) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infected patients admitted in Asokoro COVID‑19 Isolation and Treatment Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.

Patients, Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 201 laboratory‑confirmed SARS‑CoV‑2‑infected patients hospitalized in Asokoro District Hospital COVID‑19 Isolation and Treatment Centre between April 10 and July 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained, and the outcome measure was LFT abnormalities at presentation. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Version 24, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Patient median age was 39.3 years(IQR: 26–52); 65.7% were males and 33.8% were health workers. Approximately 49.2% of patients were overweight or obese. Hypertension (22.9%) and diabetes mellitus(7.5%) were the most common comorbidities and only 1% had a known history of liver disease. Abnormal LFTs were observed in 53% of patients(n = 106), most frequently elevated direct bilirubin (78.3%) and alanine aminotransferase (38.7%). Comorbidities were not found significantly associated with LFT abnormalities. Females (odds ratio [OR] = 0.367 P = 0.004 confidence interval [CI] 0.186–0.724) and patients aged 20–29 years (OR = 0.067 P = 0.043 [CI] 0.005–0.916) were found less likely to have abnormal LFTs.

Conclusion: Regardless of clinical status at presentation, about half of SARS‑CoV‑2 patients admitted at the Asokoro Isolation and Treatment Centre in Abuja had abnormal LFT results. It is therefore recommended that LFT is included as a part of baseline investigations during the management of COVID‑19 for improved outcomes.