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#264 From theory to reality: ACEi, ARB, and COVID-19


CLINICAL QUESTION
QUESTION CLINIQUE
  Do angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) increase the risk of catching, or severity of infection with, COVID-19?

BOTTOM LINE
RÉSULTAT FINAL
  Despite initial theoretical suggestions that ACEi and ARB are harmful, four observational studies have since found no association between COVID-19 infection or severity of disease and ACEi/ARB. One cohort study with the smallest number of COVID-19 patients found an association between ACEi, ARB and hospitalization but not mechanical ventilation. All studies have limitations associated with observational studies including potential confounders and bias which require imperfect statistical adjustments.  


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EVIDENCE
DONNÉES PROBANTES
 A March 2020 letter theorized ACEi/ARB use could increase risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality by upregulating the ACE2 receptor, which the virus uses to enter host cells.1 
  • No evidence presented. 
May 2020, 5 observational studies published, all statistically adjusted for various differences in patient populations (example presence of heart disease): 
  • 3 retrospective cohort studies: 
    • 8910 hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients on international registry, 17% from North America, mean age 49.2
      • In-hospital death: 
        • 2.1% ACEi versus 6.1% no ACEi (statistically different). 
        • 6.8% ARB versus 5.7% no ARB (not statistically different). 
    • 12594 patients (5894 COVID-19 positive) in New York City.3 
      • ACEi/ARB use had no association with: 
        • Positive COVID-19 test (58% versus 57%).
        • ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or death (25% both groups).
    • 18472 patients (1735 COVID-19 positive) in Ohio and Florida, mean age 49.4 
      • Positive COVID-19 test: No difference (9% both groups). 
      • Hospitalization: 53% ACEi/ARB versus 36% no ACEi/ARB (statistically different). 
      • ICU admission: 22% ACEi/ARB versus 15% no ACEi/ARB (statistically different). 
        • ARB alone not statistically different from control. 
      • Mechanical ventilation: 14% ACEi/ARB versus 11% no ACEi/ARB (not statistically different). 
  • 2 case-control studies: 
    • 37031 people (6272 COVID-19 patients) in Lombardy, Italy; mean age 68.5 
      • No association between ACEi/ARB and risk of COVID-19 infection, or risk of severe COVID-19 disease or death. 
    • 12529 patients (1139 COVID-19 positive) in Madrid, Spain, mean age 69.6 
      • ACEi/ARB use not associated with risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 disease versus other hypertensive drugs. 
Limitations: All studies observational; adjustments and variable statistical analysis may not account for all pre-existing conditions and potential confounders.    Context:  
  • Various professional societies recommend continuing ACEi/ARB where clearly indicated.7 
  • Observational studies investigate associations and do not demonstrate causation.   

Gilbert Bretecher June 6, 2023

Acei/ARB do increase risk of COVID

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Author(s)
Auteur(s)
  • Adrienne J Lindblad BSP ACPR PharmD
  • Caitlin R Finley BHSc MSc

1. Fang L, Karakiulakis G, Roth M. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at increased risk for COVID-19 infection (letter)? Lancet Respir Med. 2020 Apr; 8(4):321. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

2. Mehra MR, Desai SS, Kuy SR, et al. Cardiovascular Disease, Drug Therapy, and Mortality in COVID-19. N Engl J Med. Epub May 1, 2020.

3. Reynolds HR, Adhikari S, Pulgarin C, et al. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors and Risk of COVID-19. N Engl J Med. Epub May 1, 2020.

4. Mehta N, Kalra A, Nowacki AS, et al. Association of use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inbhibtors and angiotensin II receptor blockers with testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). JAMA Cardiol. Epub May 5, 2020.

5. Mancia G, Rea F, Ludergnani M, et al. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockers and the Risk of COVID-19. N Engl J Med. Epub May 1, 2020.

6. de Abajo FJ, Rodriquez-Martin S, Lerma V, et al. Use of renin-angiotensinaldosterone system inhibitors and risk of COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital: a case-population study. Lancet. Epub May 14, 2020.

7. Bavishi C, Maddox TM, Messerli FH. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and renin angiotensin system blockers. JAMA Cardiol. Epub April 3, 2020.

Authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare.

Les auteurs n’ont aucun conflit d’intérêts à déclarer.