Abstract
This study investigates the intricate interplay between Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and COVID-19, exploring the impact of MAFLD on disease severity, outcomes, and the efficacy of the antiviral agent Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). MAFLD, affecting a quarter of the global population, emerges as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19, yet the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain elusive. This study focuses on the clinical significance of Paxlovid, the first orally bioavailable antiviral agent granted Emergency Use Authorization in the United States. Notably, outcomes from phase II/III trials exhibit an 88% relative risk reduction in COVID-19-associated hospitalization or mortality among high-risk patients. Despite conflicting data on the association between MAFLD and COVID-19 severity, this research strives to bridge the gap by evaluating the effectiveness of Paxlovid in MAFLD patients with COVID-19, addressing the scarcity of relevant studies.