May 13, 2020

Manifestations and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal and Liver Involvement in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• Mao et al. conducted a meta-analysis of 35 studies, including 6,686 patients with COVID-19, to estimate the effects of COVID-19 on the digestive system. The pooled prevalence of digestive symptoms (29 studies, n=6064) was 15% (IQR 10–21) with nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite being the three most common symptoms.  
• The pooled prevalence of abnormal liver functions (12 studies, n=1267) was 19% (IQR 9–32). Subgroup analysis showed patients with severe COVID-19 had higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR=1.60, 95%CI 1.09–2.36) and liver injury (OR=2.20, 95%CI 1.60–3.02) compared with those with non-severe disease. Patients with gastrointestinal involvement had a higher prevalence of complication (OR=2.51, 95%CI 1.62–3.89). 

Mao et al. (May 12, 2020). Manifestations and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal and Liver Involvement in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(20)30126-6