Altered Liver and Kidney Function in SARS-CoV-2-Positive Patients in Nigerian Isolation Centers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i5.241Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Renal function, Liver function, Electrolytes, Nigeria, AzotemiaAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented major immunological and nutritional challenges globally, yet Nigeria’s contribution to global research accounts for only 0.8% of scientific outputs. This study investigated liver and kidney function status in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients compared to negative controls across two isolation centers in Ogun and Lagos States (Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital). A total of 160 participants were recruited: 80 COVID-19-positive patients (46 males, 34 females; mean age 51.53±1.86) and 80 COVID-19-negative controls (28 males, 52 females; mean age 54.21±1.89). Nasopharyngeal swabs and venous blood samples were collected. Spectrophotometry was used to assess total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, ALP, urea, chloride, and creatinine. Sodium and potassium were determined via flame photometry, and bicarbonate by titration. Biochemical analysis revealed that COVID-19-positive patients had significantly elevated levels (p < 0.05) of plasma urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP compared to controls. Conversely, a significant decrease in plasma total protein and potassium was observed in COVID-19 patients. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in age or albumin levels between the two groups. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 infection induces multi-organ biochemical derangements characterized by acute renal azotemia, electrolyte imbalance, hepatocellular damage, intrahepatic cholestasis, and hypoproteinemia. Comprehensive baseline liver and kidney biomarker screening is crucial for guiding clinical intervention and management.
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