pre-existing hbv and hcv infections do not affect covid-19-related outcomes: an observational retrospective study

Background: a better understanding of the interaction between sars-cov-2 infection and hbv or hcv hepatitis is very important. objectives: we aimed to determine the prevalence and the impact of pre-existing hbv and hcv infections in patients with covid-19. methods: we conducted a retrospective study and included all the subjects positive for sars-cov-2 from march to may 2020. we evaluated the prevalence of chronic hbv and hcv infections and performed a matched cohort analysis to compare covid-19-related outcomes between patients with and without infections due to hbv or hcv. results: among 606 subjects, 12 cases (2%) had positive hbsag, and 6 cases (0.99%) presented detectable hcv rna. we recognized 80 individuals positive for sars-cov-2 with negative markers for hbv and hcv suitable for the matched analysis. no statistical differences in mechanical ventilation support and mortality rates were found (p = 0.27 and p = 0.80, respectively). moreover, although not statistically different, individuals with viral hepatitis were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit in comparison to those without hbv or hcv infections (29% vs. 15%). the median time of virus clearance was 27.5 days, with no difference between the two groups. conclusions: in our cohort, the pre-existing viral liver infection did not have any impact on the clinical and virological evolution of covid-19.