Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The possible effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on COVID-19 disease severity have generated considerable debate. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, who had definite clinical outcome (dead or discharged) by February 15, 2020. Patients on anti-hypertensive treatment with or without ACEI/ARB were compared on their clinical characteristics and outcomes. The medical records from 702 patients were screened. Among the 101 patients with a history of hypertension and taking at least one anti-hypertensive medication, 40 patients were receiving ACEI/ARB as part of their regimen, and 61 patients were on antihypertensive medication other than ACEI/ARB. We observed no statistically significant differences in percentages of in-hospital mortality (28% vs. 34%, P = 0.46), ICU admission (20% vs. 28%, P = 0.37) or invasive mechanical ventilation (18% vs. 26%, P = 0.31) between patients with or without ACEI/ARB treatment. Further multivariable adjustment of age and gender did not provide evidence for a significant association between ACEI/ARB treatment and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Our findings confirm the lack of an association between chronic receipt of renin-angiotensin system antagonists and severe outcomes of COVID-19. Patients should continue previous anti-hypertensive therapy until further evidence is available.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s11684-020-0800-y

Type

Journal

Frontiers of medicine

Publication Date

10/2020

Volume

14

Pages

601 - 612

Addresses

Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, 100084, China.

Keywords

Humans, Pneumonia, Viral, Coronavirus Infections, Hypertension, Antihypertensive Agents, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Severity of Illness Index, Hospital Mortality, Retrospective Studies, Comorbidity, Middle Aged, China, Female, Male, Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists, Pandemics, Betacoronavirus, Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2