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Can Covid Cause Liver Damage?

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Posted on Tue, 13 Feb 2024
Question: A little less than two months ago, I was Dx with subacute thyroiditis. I was hyperthyroid until about a week ago. At one point, approximately a month ago, I was admitted to the hospital for suspected thyroid storm after my heart rate reached a sustained 140 BPM for several hours.

I was given IV propranolol, and continued propranolol and methimazole for several weeks. I have since stopped propranolol and methimazole. It’s been about a week since I’ve stopped.

The second week of October, I developed Covid. I took NyQuil (containing 600 mg acetaminophen) nightly for a few weeks. No other APAP containing medications.

Since the thyroid issues began, I’ve had a number of liver function tests.

September 21: ALT-160, AST-96, ALP-116
September 26: ALT-104 AST-40, ALP-112
October 16: ALT-72, AST-33, ALP-124
October 31: ALT-160, AST-62, ALP-121

I have not consumed alcohol in months.

I recently had an abdominal ultrasound. Liver was unremarkable.

Endocrinologist will repeat the labs again, but thought it may have some relation to Covid. Any other thoughts as to why it would fluctuate so much?

I take pantoprazole 40mg daily (have taken for 10 years), clonazepam daily, and dupixent weekly.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (27 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need few more details.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Firstly I would like to say that liver enzyme levels should be atleast 3 times the normal limit to suspect any liver pathology.
You have not mentioned the unit in which these liver enzymes are measured by the lab.
For a proper answer can you please pendown the unit in which these liver enzymes are marked by lab.
Waiting.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (6 hours later)
Hi Dr XXXXXXX

The units are in IU/L, and the upper limits for the reference ranges are as follows:

AST - 40
ALT - 44
ALP - 121

The one attachment includes the lab findings of these and other tests (albumin, etc.)

Thank you.
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 days later)
Just following up on this. I’ll add that since my posting, I had additional liver testing done for various auto-immune conditions, and hep A, B, and C. All tests were normal.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
At least two liver function tests should be elevated that too three times the normal upper limit.
Your liver functions are just mildly deranged and have no clinical significance.
So medically they have normal.
Regards!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Can Covid Cause Liver Damage?

Brief Answer: Need few more details. Detailed Answer: Hello, Firstly I would like to say that liver enzyme levels should be atleast 3 times the normal limit to suspect any liver pathology. You have not mentioned the unit in which these liver enzymes are measured by the lab. For a proper answer can you please pendown the unit in which these liver enzymes are marked by lab. Waiting. Thanks.