Endocrine Abstracts

Background

The available data on the effect of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) use on COVID-19 infection are both insufficient and controversial. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of a history of ACEI/ARBs use on the severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This study recruited 147 patients with confirmed COVID-19. The relationship between the severity of the disease was then assessed with a history of ACEIs/ARBs use, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). The effect of a history of ACEIs/ARBs use, GFR ≤ 60 (mL/min), a history of hypertension, a history of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, LDH ≥ 500 U/l, and lymphocyte count ≤ 1500 on COVID-19-related deaths was also assessed.

Results

The results showed a significant relationship between a history of ACEIs/ARBs use before infection and COVID-19 severity and mortality. The severity of the disease also had a significant relationship with a history of smoking, diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and GFR. Moreover, the mortality rate had a significant relationship with GFR ≤ 60 (mL/min), diabetes, LDH ≥ 500 U/l, and lymphocyte count ≤ 1500.

Conclusion

The present study showed that a history of ACEIs/ARBs use before COVID-19 infection significantly increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection. This result can help modify health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.