Terminal ileum in COVID-19. Aspects to take into account

Abstract

Introduction: the terminal ileum is currently attributed a key role whose influence on the digestive and extradigestive systems could include its importance in the pathophysiology of generalized inflammatory processes such as that caused by SARS-CoV2 infection. Objectives: to describe the evidence that justifies the role of the terminal ileum in the hepatointestinal axis and its relationship with the clinical expression of the metabolic syndrome generated in SARS-CoV2 infection. Methods: A systematic and critical review of the biomolecular and morphological studies of the terminal ileum that support its role as a key site in the regulation of the immune system and metabolism, and its relationship with the functional integrity of other systems, reported on websites, was carried out. (PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, and Elservier), between 2000 and 2021. Histological sections of the ileum were also presented as preliminary findings from those who died with COVID-19. Development: The biomolecular and morphological evidence about the role of the ileum in the physiology of the hepatointestinal axis and its histological samples obtained from the deceased were described, which allowed them to be considered as a tangible expression of the inflammatory manifestation when they were sick
with COVID-19. Conclusions: Ileitis could be the cause or effect of the exaggerated and sustained inflammatory response in severe or critical COVID-19. It is recommended to carry out studies of greater scope and impact on the future assertiveness of the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation and prognosis of COVID-19 and other diseases with a similar clinical course.