Study on the Impact of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) on patients with Corona Virus Disease – 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Purpose: This study’s purpose was to assess the impact of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) on the outcome of patients affected by Corona Virus Disease – 2019 (COVID-19). Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study `was conducted on patients affected by COVID-19 who were treated at our Hospital from January 2022 to February 2023. The study involved 200 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, excluding those with other chronic hepatic disorders, and included comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic assessments. The existence of MAFLD was assessed as newly established, and the COVID-19 severity was evaluated per the Egyptian protocol, and the diagnosis of MAFLD followed international consensus criteria. Results: Patients with MAFLD and COVID-19 (Group I) had a significantly higher number of patients with severe disease (n = 60, 60%) than patients with COVID-19 alone (Group II) (n = 21, 21%, p < 0.001). The mortality rate was 11% (n = 22), with a significantly higher rate encountered in Group I (n = 16, 16% vs. n = 6, 6%, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Patients with MAFLD exhibited distinct clinical and laboratory features and were more likely to develop severe COVID-19, with a higher mortality rate.