Hepatology Consultants Often Disagree on Etiology of Abnormal Liver Biochemistries in COVID-19 but Agree on Management

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with elevated liver biochemistries in approximately half of hospitalized patients, with many possible etiologies. Aim: To assess agreement on the etiology of abnormal liver biochemistries and diagnostic recommendations in COVID-19. Methods: Twenty hepatology consultations were reviewed by three senior hepatologists who provided a differential diagnosis and diagnostic recommendations. Kappa agreement on the primary etiology was calculated. Results: Kappa agreement between hepatologists on the primary etiology of elevated liver biochemistries was 0.10 (p = 0.03). Agreement was greater around drug-induced liver injury 0.51 (p < 0.0001) and SARS-CoV-2-related liver injury 0.17 (p = 0.03). Serial liver biochemistries were recommended in all consultations over other evaluations. Conclusion: In COVID-19, elevated liver biochemistries present a diagnostic challenge and can often be monitored conservatively.