Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COVID-19: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: In 2020, the world suffered a major impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially due to the high transmissibility of the virus. It is a disease that predominates with respiratory manifestations, but there is involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms ranging from mild to more severe. Highlighting gastrointestinal bleeding, it is a symptom resulting from the involvement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus described by several reports and case series. Methods: through an integrative literature review, of a qualitative nature, works that corresponded to the eligibility criteria were selected, totaling 16 articles included in this review. Results: of the patients who manifested gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the disease, common comorbidities and clinical manifestations were identified, in addition to therapies used to treat the infection, which were predisposing factors for the development of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion: The presence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COVID-19 is established in the literature, since the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease directly affect the GIT. Early recognition of symptoms and suspicion of gastrointestinal involvement allows better management of patients and complications.