New Research Highlights Deadly Combination of COVID-19 and Chronic Liver Disease
COVID-19 Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Have a Higher Rate of Invasive Ventilation, Longer Hospital Stays, and an Increased Risk of Death
Chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic liver disease, can significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection complications and death, according to three new studies presented at the American College of Chest Physicians’ CHEST 2024 conference by Antony Arumairaj, M.D., assistant professor of medicine.
“Our research highlights that primary prevention and lifestyle modifications—like weight loss and cutting down on alcohol consumption—can dramatically slow the progression of chronic liver disease and improve patient outcomes, especially in unforeseen situations like the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Arumairaj.
For the studies, investigators analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample database, the largest publicly available care database in the U.S., focusing on hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis, fatty liver, or alcoholic liver disease were more likely to experience longer hospital stays, have a higher need for invasive ventilation, and an increased risk of death.
“Given the risk of rapid clinical deterioration, it’s crucial that patients with chronic liver disease who contract COVID-19 have a low threshold for transfer to critical care for close monitoring,” Dr. Arumairaj emphasized. “The pandemic has shown us that those with uncontrolled comorbidities are hit hardest. Regular follow-ups with primary care doctors are essential to ensure these conditions are well managed.”
Additional NYMC faculty authors on the studies include Joseph Mattana, M.D., professor of medicine; Shobhana Chaudhari, M.D., professor of medicine; and Armeen Poor, M.D., assistant professor of medicine.
