COVID-19 and related gastrointestinal symptoms: An observational study

Year 2022, Volume: 35 Issue: 2, 244 - 248, 30.05.2022

Ali Cihat Yıldırım , Sevil Alkan Cevıker Sezgin Zeren Mehmet Fatih Ekıcı , Faik Yaylak Mustafa Cem Algın Özlem Arık

https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1121879

Cited By: 2

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 pandemic has infected the entire world and causes obsolete morbidity and mortality. While respiratory
symptoms are the most frequently reported, several recent studies revealed that gastrointestinal symptoms are not uncommon. Our
aim in this observational study is to reveal the gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 patients.

Patients and Methods: Data of COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded and retrospectively analyzed during
their hospital follow-up period. 82 patients participated in the study and later on had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
test. Gender, age, systemic and gastrointestinal complaints, medical and surgical disease history, laboratory results, thorax computer
tomography (CT) findings, and characteristics of gastrointestinal system (GIS) symptoms of patients were also recorded. Data were
analyzed by statistical software.

Results: The most common typical symptoms of COVID-19 patients were cough, anosmia, debility, and shortness of breath. Further,
most of the gastrointestinal symptoms found in COVID-19 patients were nonspecific abdominal pain.
Lymphopenia and elevated liver transaminases were the most common findings of the tests. Patients with diarrhea indicated watery
diarrhea. Two patients also had ileus, they healed spontaneously without surgical intervention. Furthermore, all patients were
discharged without any problems.

Conclusion: Gastrointestinal symptoms are typical in COVID-19 patients. However, these symptoms do not seem to have a detrimental
effect on the progression of the disease. In our study group, there was no need for surgical intervention, but COVID-19 patients with
gastrointestinal symptoms should be treated by a multidisciplinary approach. 

Keywords

COVID-19, Gastrointestinal symptom, Diarrhea, Intestinal obstruction

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