Dig Dis Sci. 2020 Jul 29. doi: 10.1007/s10620-020-06495-w. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with elevated liver biochemistries in approximately half of hospitalized patients, with many possible etiologies.
AIM: To assess agreement on the etiology of abnormal liver biochemistries and diagnostic recommendations in COVID-19.
METHODS: Twenty hepatology consultations were reviewed by three senior hepatologists who provided a differential diagnosis and diagnostic recommendations. Kappa agreement on the primary etiology was calculated.
RESULTS: Kappa agreement between hepatologists on the primary etiology of elevated liver biochemistries was 0.10 (p = 0.03). Agreement was greater around drug-induced liver injury 0.51 (p < 0.0001) and SARS-CoV-2-related liver injury 0.17 (p = 0.03). Serial liver biochemistries were recommended in all consultations over other evaluations.
CONCLUSION: In COVID-19, elevated liver biochemistries present a diagnostic challenge and can often be monitored conservatively.
PMID:32729013 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-020-06495-w