Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 20, 2025 2 hours, 10 minutes ago
Medical News: Lingering Impact of COVID-19
Researchers from the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania, the Sf. Parascheva Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, the St. Mary Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, and the Clinical Hospital of Pneumology have issued new warnings about the hidden dangers of long COVID. Even people who experienced only mild COVID-19 infections can suffer long-term complications affecting multiple organs. This
Medical News report highlights that among the most concerning risks is silent liver injury, which may remain unnoticed for months after infection.
Long COVID Linked to Hidden Liver Damage and Organ Risks
What Happens Inside the Body
COVID-19 enters the body through ACE2 receptors, which are not only in the lungs but also in the liver, heart, gut, and brain. Once inside, the virus can spark an overreaction of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm, causing severe inflammation. This inflammation, combined with micro-blood clots and oxygen shortages, can damage organs long after the virus itself is gone. The liver, which plays a central role in metabolism and detoxification, appears especially vulnerable.
The Liver Under Attack
The review found that between 15% and 65% of COVID-19 patients developed some form of liver dysfunction, with elevated liver enzymes often seen months after recovery. In some cases, patients developed cholangiopathy, a bile duct disorder marked by abnormal blood tests and imaging results. Severe cases have revealed fibrosis, scarring of the liver that increases the risk of cirrhosis.
Autopsy studies have shown that the virus does not usually attack liver cells directly but instead targets supporting cells and blood vessels in the liver. Endothelial injury, or damage to blood vessel linings, was the most common change found. This suggests that COVID-19 primarily disrupts the liver through inflammation, blood clotting issues, and immune system overdrive rather than simple viral invasion.
Who Is at Higher Risk
The study emphasized that individuals with obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, or hepatitis B or C are more vulnerable to long-term liver problems after COVID-19. For these patients, the virus may worsen existing conditions, sometimes leading to permanent scarring or ongoing inflammation. Alarmingly, COVID-19 may even trigger autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells.
Why Monitoring Is Crucial
Doctors now recommend that all patients recovering from COVID-19, especially those with pre-existing liver or metabolic issues, undergo routine follow-up testing. This should include blood tests to check liver enzymes, imaging scans if needed, and lifestyle guidance such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise. In some cases, medication may be required to control inflammation and prevent long-term complications.
Final Thoughts
The findings show that
long COVID is far more than fatigue or “brain fog.” It is a multi-organ condition that can silently harm the liver and other systems months after recovery. Regular monitoring is essential, as many patients may not realize they have hidden liver damage until it progresses into something more serious. This growing evidence reinforces the need for continued global attention to long COVID.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Life.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/8/1314
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/university-of-connecticut-study-warns-that-long-covid-is-quietly-damaging-the-brain-and-mental-health-of-thousands
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/estonian-study-claims-that-possible-hidden-cause-of-long-covid-may-be-a-burnt-out-immune-system
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/shocking-rise-in-long-covid-nerve-damage-explained-in-new-medical-review
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