COVID-19 Positivity Not Higher in ACEI or ARB Users

A US retrospective cohort study found no association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) use and COVID-19 test positivity. The study included 18 472 patients tested for COVID-19 (mean age 49 years, 40% male, and 69% white), 12.4% were taking either ACEIs or ARBs. A positive COVID-19 test result was observed in 9.4% of patients. Among patients who tested positive, 24.3% were admitted to the hospital, 9.3% were admitted to an intensive care unit, and 6.4% required mechanical ventilation. Overlap propensity score weighting showed no significant association of ACEI and/or ARB use with COVID-19 test positivity. These data support various society guidelines to continue current treatment of chronic disease conditions with either ACEI or ARB during the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: https://jamanetwork.com/