The level of plasma C-reactive protein is closely related to the liver injury in patients with COVID-19

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become the most severe public health issue all over the world. Despite acute respiratory failure, liver dysfunction has also been observed in clinical settings This study aimed to investigate the factors involved with hepatic injury in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A total of 26 hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 treated at Beijing Youan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the diagnostic criteria, they were divided into mild group (n=3), ordinary group (n=6), serious group (n=11) and critical group (n=6). Blood count, blood chemistry, coagulation test, liver and renal function, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactic acid, cardiac markers and arterial partial pressure was compared between these groups. Independent risk factors of ALT increase was selected. Results:There were 8 patients with ALT elevation in the patients with COVID-19, accounting for 30.8% (8/26). There was no difference in sex ratio between normal and elevated ALT population, and there was an increasing trend in age. The CRP index was significantly higher in the population with elevated ALT, and the increase of CRP was independently related to ALT level, and the OR value was 1.023 (P = 0.024). Conclusions: COVID-19 related hepatic injury may be a result of cytokine storm syndrome, a positive correlative relationship between the increase of CRP and liver injury. Early detection and timely treatment of hepatic injury is necessary.