Renin-angiotensin system blocker and outcomes of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The association of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with disease severity of patients with COVID-19 is still unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate if ACEI/ARB use is associated with the risk of mortality and severe disease in patients with COVID-19. Methods We searched all available clinical studies that included patients with confirmed COVID-19 who could be classified into an ACEI/ARB group and a non-ACEI/ARB group up until 4 May 2020. A meta-analysis was performed, and primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and severe disease. Results ACEI/ARB use did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality both in meta-analysis for 11 studies with 12 601 patients reporting ORs (OR=0.52 (95% CI=0.37 to 0.72), moderate certainty of evidence) and in 2 studies with 8577 patients presenting HRs. For 12 848 patients in 13 studies, ACEI/ARB use was not related to an increased risk of severe disease in COVID-19 (OR=0.68 (95% CI=0.44 to 1.07); I-2=95%, low certainty of evidence). Conclusions ACEI/ARB therapy was not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality or severe manifestations in patients with COVID-19. ACEI/ARB therapy can be continued without concern of drug-related worsening in patients with COVID-19.

Automated summary

The meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 12,601 patients showed that ACEI/ARB use was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. Similarly, two studies involving 8,577 patients reached a similar conclusion. Overall, in 13 studies, the use of ACEI/ARB was not significantly related to an increased risk of severe disease in patients with COVID-19.