What gastroenterologists should know during COVID-19 Pandemic!
Gastroenterologists and COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
The WHO has declared a Pandemic due to Novel Corona virus-19 (COVID-19). Patients usually have respiratory symptoms but gastrointestinal and hepatic dysfunction are not uncommon presentations and can lead to a delay in diagnosis and management. Virus shedding can continue even after the nasopharyngeal swab gets negative and could lead to faecal-oral transmission. The effects of COVID-19 on patients with decompensated liver disease is still not clear. Managing immunosuppressive drugs in liver transplant and inflammatory bowel disease is a major challenge without clear guidelines. Only emergency endoscopy is to be done with personal protection equipment. Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine has shown some beneficial effects and is being used off-label. Without effective treatment, it is imperative to take precautionary measures.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2651
How to cite this:
Kamani L. What gastroenterologists should know during COVID-19 Pandemic! Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S124-S125. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2651
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