SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 contexts for pathologies of the hepatobiliary system, their histological, biochemical, radiological and clinical characteristics and possibilities of preventing these pathologies

The study considers a follow-up to the National Research Program (NRP) project with an in-depth investigation of hepatobiliary tract damage in COVID-19 patients, revealed during the NRP project. The study aims to investigate changes in the hepatobiliary tract in patients with COVID-19, including long COVID, and to identify the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in COVID-19 processes. It is planned to include patients with confirmed Covid-19 (short and long COVID) and after recovery. Changes in the hepatobiliary tract will be assessed based on tissue morphology, a set of blood-based liver markers, and modern radiological techniques. Some patients will be included in the longitudinal study. The obtained data will be used for the development of clinical algorithms for faster identification of hepatobiliary problems in patients with COVID-19 and long COVID, as well as their prevention. The study also plans to assess the burden on the healthcare system of COVID-induced liver problems, which will provide a basis for appropriate policy recommendations.