Resumen
Objective: To review the manifestations of gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic involvement of COVID-19, addressing, along with the pathophysiological mechanisms, the incidence, symptoms, complications, diagnosis and management of these patients. Bibliographic review: The disease of the new coronavirus has spread rapidly around the world, resulting in a global pandemic. Although it is a predominantly respiratory disease, between 39% and 61% of infected patients have gastrointestinal symptoms, the main ones being diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In some cases, patients may manifest gastrointestinal symptoms exclusively, without respiratory complaints. Hepatic impairment is common, with an increase in liver enzymes observed in 30% of people with confirmed infection by COVID-19, which can be used as a marker of severity and a predictor of mortality. Studies have linked the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms with more severe forms of COVID-19 and a worse prognosis. Final considerations: We conclude that there is a significant relationship between infection by Sars-Cov-2 and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in critically ill patients. Therefore, it is important that gastrointestinal complaints are not ignored. However, more studies need to be done to better determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19, as it is a recent pathology.