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Angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) have physiologic effects that could be either beneficial or harmful in patients with COVID-19 (NEJM JW Cardiol May 2020 and N Engl J Med 2020; 382:1653). In three retrospective studies, researchers have addressed this issue.
In a single-center Chinese study that involved 362 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with histories of hypertension, 32% were taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs on admission; the drugs were continued if possible. Researchers found no difference in severity of COVID-19 or mortality in users of ACE inhibitors or ARBs compared with nonusers. Statistical adjustment for potentially confounding factors was not conducted.
In a multicenter Chinese stu…