Association of Ferritin with Liver Function Parameters in COVID-19 Patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Corona Virus 19(COVID-19) is a complex multisystemic disease which remains to be a great challenge to the international health care system. Liver damage can occur in COVID-19 patients due to immune mediated inflammation such as cytokine storm induced by ferritin. The effect of ferritin on liver biochemistries in COVID-19 patients are still obscure. Aim(s) To study the association of ferritin with liver function parameters in COVID -19 patients. To find the association of ferritin with liver enzymes such as Aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase, AST ALT ratio, Alkaline phosphatase, albumin,total protein and serum bilirubin. Material(s) and Method(s) The study was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Sri Ramachandra laboratory services and medical records department of SRIHER. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional ethical committee (IEC), SRIHER to collect the data of COVID -19 patients who were RT-PCR positive. The patients were enrolled on the basis of their inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the liver function parameters were analyzed in Beckmann Coulter 5800. Result(s) A significant elevation in AST and ALT were observed. There was no significant alteration in serum alkaline phosphatase indicating that biliary obstruction was not a significant component in COVID -19 infection. The levels of total protein and albumin were considerably decreased. Increased levels of bilirubin was noticed in mild and severe COVID-19 patients. Conclusion(s) COVID -19 patients showed significant correlation of ferritin with liver function parameters thus all the COVID -19 patients should have their liver test indicators assessed and monitored periodically to prevent mortality due to liver damage.