Clinical Features of COVID-19 in Patients With Essential Hypertension and the Impacts of Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System Inhibitors on the Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients

Characteristics of COVID-19 comorbidities and severity profiles among pregnant women from a single-center cross-sectional study

The study aimed to determine the characteristics of comorbidities, association between comorbidities and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as characteristics of COVID-19 severity among pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Bandung. We conducted a cross-sectional study by taking secondary data between January 2020 and December 2021 involving 278 pregnant women aged 16 to 45 years that confirmedly diagnosed with COVID-19 via RT-PCR. We collected information from the medical record on severity and comorbidities. The admission C-reactive protein (CRP) profiles were compared between the severe and nonsevere COVID-19 patients. This study employed bivariate analysis, t test, and multivariate analysis with logistic regression models. Of the 278 data included in this study, 120 cases had comorbidities. Most patients were asymptomatic (82%). Obesity was the most common comorbid proportion. Only hypertension as comorbid showed a significant association with symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 (<0.05). Pregnant women with hypertension were 6 times more likely to show symptoms than those without hypertension (OR = 6.092; 95% CI 3.103-11.962). Pregnant women with comorbidities were at higher risk of cesarean sections and stillbirth. The CRP levels which were found to have statistically significant association with COVID-19 severity (<0.05). The domination of asymptomatic COVID-19 in pregnant women was found in this study. Hypertension comorbid has a significant association with COVID-19 symptoms. Maternal and neonatal outcomes appear to be influenced by maternal comorbidities. Moreover, the CRP levels were found to be significant risk factors for COVID-19 severity in pregnant women that might have association with comorbidities.

Acromegaly and COVID-19, lessons, and new opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges in effective management of patients with acromegaly. Specifically, with regards to timely diagnosis, delays in surgeries, and disruption(s) to routine patient care. A transition to telemedicine did help to overcome safety restrictions that were placed on in-person care. Creation of surgical safety protocols in conjunction with widespread testing for COVID-19 has also helped with the resumption of pituitary surgery cases. However, acromegaly related comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea and respiratory disease, vertebral fractures, and hypopituitarism, may increase the risk of a more severe COVID-19 infection course. Of note and to date, no negative trends in COVID-19 related outcomes have been reported in patients with acromegaly. Nevertheless, anxiety and depression rates in patients with acromegaly are higher than those in the general population. More studies are needed to assess the true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on morbidity, mortality, and neuropsychiatric health of patients with acromegaly.

Clinical outcomes and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough cases following vaccination with BNT162b2, CoronaVac, or ChAdOx1-S: A retrospective cohort study in Malaysia

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drove global vaccination. However, breakthrough infections raised concerns about vaccine performance, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend investigations thereof. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes (time to breakthrough infection, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and in-hospital mortality) of hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. This was the primary outcome and the risk factors associated with its severity were the secondary outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study at a multispecialty tertiary hospital in Selangor, Malaysia included 200 fully adult vaccinated patients, with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, admitted from September 2021 to February 2022. Participants were selected by simple random sampling. Infection severity was categorised as CAT 2-3 (mild-moderate) and 4-5 (severe-critical).

Results

The time to breakthrough infection was significantly longer for BNT162B2 recipients (128.47 ± 46.21 days) compared to CoronaVac (94.09 ± 48.71 days; P = 0.001) and ChAdOx1-S recipients (90.80 ± 37.59 days; P = 0.019). No significant associations were found between SARS-CoV-2-related ICU admission, mortality, and the vaccines. Multivariable analysis identified vaccine type, variant of concern, ethnicity, and hypertension as significant predictors of severity. BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1-S recipients had significantly (81 % and 74 %, respectively) lower odds of CAT 4-5 infection compared to CoronaVac recipients. Indian patients had a significantly (83 %) lower chance of CAT 4-5 infection compared to Malay patients. Patients with breakthrough infections during the Omicron period had a significantly (58 %) lower risk of CAT 4-5 compared to those in the Delta period. The CAT 4-5 risk was significantly (nearly threefold) higher in hypertensive patients.

Conclusion

The results support the Malaysian Ministry of Health's recommended booster three months after primary vaccination and the WHO's recommended heterologous booster following CoronaVac. Certain ethnic groups, hypertensive patients, and viral variants may require attention in future pandemics.

Degree of COVID-19 severity and mortality in stroke: correlation of clinical and laboratory parameters

BACKGROUND

Stroke is one of the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, leading to a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters were investigated to determine mortality predictors in this case.

METHOD

The case control study was conducted at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital,Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with data collected between July 2020 and August 2021. All recorded clinical and laboratory data from acute stroke patients with confirmed COVID-19 were collected. Baseline characteristics, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were assessed to determine significant predictors for mortality.

RESULT

This study involved 72 subjects with COVID-19 and stroke. The majority experienced ischemic stroke, with hypertension as the most prevalent comorbidity. Notably, 45.8% of subjects (p < 0.05) loss of consciousness and 72.2% of exhibited motor deficits (p < 0.05). Severe degree of COVID-19 was observed in 52.8% of patients, with respiratory distress and death rates of 56.9% and 58.3%. Comparison of surviving and deceased groups highlighted significant differences in various clinical and laboratory characteristics differences. Hazard ratio (HR) analysis identified loss of consciousness (HR = 2.68; p = 0.01), motor deficit (HR = 2.34; p = 0.03), respiratory distress (HR = 81.51; p < 0.001), and monocyte count (HR:1.002; p = 0.04) as significant predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Mortality in COVID-19 patients with stroke was significantly associated with loss of consciousness, motor deficit, respiratory distress, and raised monocyte count. The risk of mortality is heightened when multiple factors coexist.

From cardiovascular system to brain, the potential protective role of Mas Receptors in COVID-19 infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a new pandemic in March 2020. Although most patients are asymptomatic, those with underlying cardiovascular comorbidities may develop a more severe systemic infection which is often associated with fatal pneumonia. Nonetheless, neurological and cardiovascular manifestations could be present even without respiratory symptoms. To date, no COVID-19-specific drugs are able for preventing or treating the infection and generally, the symptoms are relieved with general anti-inflammatory drugs. Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) may function as the receptor for virus entry within the cells favoring the progression of infection in the organism. On the other hand, ACE2 is a relevant enzyme in renin angiotensin system (RAS) cascade fostering Ang1-7/Mas receptor activation which promotes protective effects in neurological and cardiovascular systems. It is known that RAS is composed by two functional countervailing axes the ACE/AngII/AT1 receptor and the ACE/AngII/AT2 receptor which counteracts the actions mediated by AngII/AT1 receptor by inducing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-growth functions. Subsequently an "alternative" ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas receptor axis has been described with functions similar to the latter protective arm. Here, we discuss the neurological and cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 highlighting the role of the stimulation of the RAS "alternative" protective arm in attenuating pulmonary, cerebral and cardiovascular damages. In conclusion, only two clinical trials are running for Mas receptor agonists but few other molecules are in preclinical phase and if successful these drugs might represent a successful strategy for the treatment of the acute phase of COVID-19 infection.

Resolvin D2 and its receptor GPR18 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: A promising biomarker and therapeutic target

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMDs). Anti-inflammation strategies and those that promote inflammation resolution have gradually become potential therapeutic approaches for CVMDs. Resolvin D2 (RvD2), a specialized pro-resolving mediator, exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects through its receptor GPR18, a G protein-coupled receptor. Recently, the RvD2/GPR18 axis has received more attention due to its protective role in CVMDs, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemiareperfusion, and diabetes. Here, we introduce basic information about RvD2 and GPR18, summarize their roles in different immune cells, and review the therapeutic potential of the RvD2/GPR18 axis in CVMDs. In summary, RvD2 and its receptor GPR18 play an important role in the occurrence and development of CVMDs and are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Cognitive dysfunction, diabetes mellitus 2 and arterial hypertension: Sequelae up to one year of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Covid symptoms reflect its multisystem nature, in addition to its positive relationship between the severity of the condition and the severity of the long COVID.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factors associated with the prevalence of SEQUELAE DUE TO COVID-19 one year after their hospital discharge due to severe pneumonia.

METHOD

Longitudinal, analytical, prospective and comparative study. 71 covid-19 pneumonia survivors were followed. Two telephone interviews were conducted to each patient; the first at 5 months of discharge and the second at 12 months from the mentioned date. We included questions of 40 symptoms, in addition to the questioning of diabetes mellitus and/or systemic hypertension with a mentioned onset during the hospitalization or after hospital discharge due to COVID-19.

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients without complications and without comorbidities prior to hospitalization, 11 (29.7%) developed arterial hypertension during or after discharge and 17 (45.9%) developed diabetes mellitus before five months. Short-term memory loss was an upward sequel in the two measurements, 24.3% and 41.9% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure detected at five months was temporary and reversed in many cases at twelve months. It will be important to deepen the study of brain damage and cognitive dysfunction, characterized by memory loss.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes of ACEI/ARB in East-Asian patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 invades human cells and leads to COVID-19 by direct associating with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, the level of which may be increased by treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This meta-analysis aimed to explore the impact of ACEI/ARB treatment on the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infections among population in the East-Asia region.

METHODS

We collected clinical data published from January 2000 to May 2022 in the English databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently screened and identified studies that met the prespecified criteria. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 28 articles were included in this analysis. The results showed that patients who were prescribed with ACEI/ARB had a shorter duration of hospital stay [MD = -2.37, 95%CI (-3.59, -1.14), P = 0.000 2] and a lower mortality rate [OR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.52, 0.70), P<0.000 01] than patients who were not on ACEI/ARB. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in disease severity [OR = 0.99, 95% CI (0.83, 1.17), P = 0.90] between individuals receiving ACEI/ARB or not.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested that the use of ACEI/ARB was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes in East-Asian Covid-19 patients and a reduced mortality and shorter duration of hospital stay among East-Asian population (especially for female subjects) was found. Thus, ACEI/ARB should be continued in patients infected by Covid-19.

COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with impaired fasting glucose, newly diagnosed diabetes and pre-existing diabetes: a tertiary center experience

COVID-19 infection is known to increase mortality in patients with diabetes. We aim to demonstrate the differences in disease course and clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 regarding the presence of impaired fasting glucose, pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) or new-onset DM. 236 patients with positive reverse transcription-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were included in this single-center, retrospective observational study between March 2020 and May 2021. Laboratory results, comorbidities, medications and imaging findings were noted. Logistic regression was used to estimate associated factors for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). 43 patients with normal glucose, 53 with impaired fasting glucose, 60 with newly diagnosed DM, and 80 with pre-existing DM were classified. Patients with pre-existing DM had higher fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin than the other groups (p<0.001 for all). Patients with newly diagnosed DM were more likely to need dexamethasone 6 mg (p=0.001). In both newly diagnosed diabetes and impaired fasting glucose groups, 250 mg methylprednisolone was needed at higher rates (p=0.002). Newly diagnosed DM had higher rates of intubation (21.6%) and more mortality (20.0%) (p=0.045 and p=0.028, respectively). Mortality and hospitalization in the ICU were lower in the group receiving antidiabetic treatment. The risk of ICU attendance was higher in patients with impaired fasting glucose (HR=1.71, 95% CI: 0.48 to 6.08) and newly diagnosed DM (HR=1.88, 95% CI: 0.57 to 6.17), compared with pre-existing DM and non-diabetics. Newly diagnosed DM and impaired fasting glucose are associated with increased mortality and intubation in inpatients with COVID-19.

Impact of Arterial Hypertension and Use of Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy on Mortality in Patients Hospitalized due to COVID-19: The CRACoV-HHS Study

Cardiovascular diseases including arterial hypertension are common comorbidities among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. We assessed the influence of preexisting hypertension and its pharmacological treatment on in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and deaths of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are two of the most commonly used antihypertensive drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Previous research has shown that RAAS inhibitors increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme, a cellular receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, raising concerns that the use of ACEi and ARBs in hypertensive patients may increase COVID-19 patient mortality. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to find out the role of drugs acting on RAAS, particularly ACEi/ARBs in the deaths of COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

In total, 68 studies were found to be appropriate, reporting a total of 128,078 subjects. The odds ratio was found to be 1.14 [0.95, 1.36], which indicates the non-significant association of ACEi/ARBs with mortality of COVID-19 patients. Further, the association of individual ACEi/ARBs with mortality of COVID-19 patients was also found non-significant. The sensitivity analysis results have shown no significant effect of outliers on the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on available evidence, ACEi/ARB were not significantly associated with deaths of COVID-19 patients.

Characteristics and outcomes of acute COVID-19 infection in paediatric and young adult patients with underlying cardiac disease

OBJECTIVE

To describe outcomes of acute coronavirus disease 2019 in paediatric and young adult patients with underlying cardiac disease and evaluate the association between cardiac risk factors and hospitalisation.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective single-institution review of patients with known cardiac disease and positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RT-PCR from 1 March, 2020 to 30 November, 2020. Extracardiac comorbidities and cardiac risk factors were compared between those admitted for coronavirus disease 2019 illness and the rest of the cohort using univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with a mean age of 7.7 ± 6.7 years were identified. Six were 18 years of age or more with the oldest being 22 years of age. Seventy-six percent were Hispanic. The most common cardiac diagnoses were repaired cyanotic (n = 7, 16.6%) and palliated single ventricle (n = 7, 16.6%) congenital heart disease. Fourteen patients (33.3%) had underlying syndromes or chromosomal anomalies, nine (21%) had chronic pulmonary disease and eight (19%) were immunosuppressed. Nineteen patients (47.6%) reported no symptoms. Sixteen (38.1%) reported only mild symptoms. Six patients (14.3%) were admitted to the hospital for acute coronavirus disease 2019 illness. Noncardiac comorbidities were associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation (p = 0.02), particularly chronic pulmonary disease (p = 0.01) and baseline supplemental oxygen requirement (p = 0.007). None of the single ventricle patients who tested positive required admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalisations for coronavirus disease 2019 were rare among children and young adults with underlying cardiac disease. Extracardiac comorbidities like pulmonary disease were associated with increased risk of hospitalisation while cardiac risk factors were not.

The effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in patients with hypertension and COVID-19: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies

Background

High-quality evidence for whether the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors worsens clinical outcomes for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of RAAS inhibitors on disease severity and mortality in patients with hypertension and COVID-19 using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score-matched (PSM) studies.

Methods

A literature search was conducted with PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases from 31 December 2019 to 10 January 2022. We included RCTs and PSM studies comparing the risk of severe illness or mortality in patients with hypertension and COVID-19 treated or not treated with RAAS inhibitors. Individual trial data were combined to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) with a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 17 studies (4 RCTs and 13 PSM studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The use of RAAS inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of severe illness (OR=1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-1.14, I²=28%) or mortality (OR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.83-1.11, I²=16%) for patients with hypertension and COVID-19. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the severity of COVID-19 when patients continued or discontinued treatment with RAAS inhibitors (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.78-1.29, I²=0%).

Conclusions

This study suggests that there was no association between treatment with RAAS inhibitors and worsened COVID-19 disease outcomes. Our findings support the current guidelines that RAAS inhibitors should be continued in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the benefit of RAAS inhibitor medications for COVID-19 patients should be further validated with more RCTs.

Hypertension Exacerbates Severity and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

Objective

To evaluate the impact of hypertension on the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients aged 60 years old and older.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive COVID-19 patients aged 60 years old and older, who were admitted to Liyuan Hospital from January 1, 2020 to April 25, 2020. All included patients were divided into two groups: hypertension and nonhypertension group. The baseline demographic characteristics, laboratory test results, chest computed tomography (CT) images and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. The prognostic value of hypertension was determined using binary logistic regression.

Results

Among the 232 patients included in the analysis, 105 (45.3%) patients had comorbid hypertension. Compared to the nonhypertension group, patients in the hypertension group had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, red cell distribution widths, lactate dehydrogenase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer and severity of lung lesion, and lower lymphocyte counts (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the hypertension group had a higher proportion of intensive care unit admissions [24 (22.9%) vs. 14 (11.0%), P=0.02) and deaths [16 (15.2%) vs. 3 (2.4%), P<0.001] and a significantly lower probability of survival (P<0.001) than the nonhypertension group. Hypertension (OR: 4.540, 95% CI: 1.203–17.129, P=0.026) was independently correlated with all-cause in-hospital death in elderly patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

The elderly COVID-19 patients with hypertension tend to have worse conditions at baseline than those without hypertension. Hypertension may be an independent prognostic factor of poor clinical outcome in elderly COVID-19 patients.

Immune system changes in those with hypertension when infected with SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has become an evolving global health crisis. With an increasing incidence of primary hypertension, there is greater awareness of the relationship between primary hypertension and the immune system [including CD4+, CD8+ T cells, interleukin-17 (IL-17)/T regulatory cells (Treg) balance, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, B cells, and cytokines]. Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of various infections, post-infection complications, and increased mortality from severe infections. Despite ongoing reports on the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19, no articles have systematically addressed the role of primary hypertension in COVID-19 or how COVID-19 affects hypertension or specific treatment in these high-risk groups. Here, we synthesize recent advances in understanding the relationship between primary hypertension and COVID-19 and its underlying mechanisms and provide specific treatment guidelines for these high-risk groups.

Targeting endothelial dysfunction and inflammation

Vascular endothelium maintains vascular homeostasis through liberating a spectrum of vasoactive molecules, both protective and harmful regulators of vascular tone, structural remodeling, inflammation and atherogenesis. An intricate balance between endothelium-derived relaxing factors (nitric oxide, prostacyclin and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor) and endothelium-derived contracting factors (superoxide anion, endothelin-1 and constrictive prostaglandins) tightly regulates vascular function. Disruption of such balance signifies endothelial dysfunction, a critical contributor in aging and chronic cardiometabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Among many proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms causing endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation are often the pivotal players and they are naturally considered as useful targets for intervention in patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In this article, we provide a recent update on the therapeutic values of pharmacological agents, such as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors, bone morphogenic protein 4 inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ agonists, and glucagon-like peptide 1-elevating drugs, and the physiological factors, particularly hemodynamic forces, that improve endothelial function by targeting endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation.

Systemic arterial hypertension as a risk factor for the severe form of covid-19: scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Identify whether systemic arterial hypertension is a risk factor for the severe form of covid-19.

METHODS

This is a scoping review, searches were performed on the Lilacs, PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were selected. The studies presented systemic arterial hypertension as the most common chronic disease in subjects diagnosed with covid-19. Hypertensive subjects were older, and men were more likely to develop severe covid-19. Hypertensive subjects without antihypertensive treatment were associated with a higher risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

subjects with chronic diseases tend to have a different clinical profile. Blood pressure should be controlled in hypertensive subjects that should be continuously monitored during the covid-19 infection.

Chronic use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone inhibitors in hypertensive COVID-19 patients: Results from a Spanish registry and meta-analysis

Background

Hypertension is a prevalent condition among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Whether renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors are beneficial or harmful is controversial.

Methods

We have performed a national retrospective, nonexperimental comparative study from two tertiary hospitals to evaluate the impact of chronic use of RAAS inhibitors in hypertensive COVID-19 patients. A meta-analysis was performed to strengthen our findings.

Results

Of 849 patients, 422 (49.7%) patients were hypertensive and 310 (73.5%) were taking RAAS inhibitors at baseline. Hypertensive patients were older, had more comorbidities, and a greater incidence of respiratory failure (−0.151 [95% CI −0.218, −0.084]). Overall mortality in hypertensive patients was 28.4%, but smaller among those with prescribed RAAS inhibitors before (−0.167 [95% CI −0.220, −0.114]) and during hospitalization (0.090 [−0.008,0.188]). Similar findings were observed after two propensity score matches that evaluated the benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers among hypertensive patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of hypertensive patients found that age, diabetes mellitus, C-reactive protein, and renal failure were independently associated with all-cause mortality. On the contrary, ACEIs decreased the risk of death (OR 0.444 [95% CI 0.224–0.881]). Meta-analysis suggested a protective benefit of RAAS inhibitors (OR 0.6 [95% CI 0.42–0.8]) among hypertensive COVID-19.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that RAAS inhibitors may play a protective role in hypertensive COVID-19 patients. This finding was supported by a meta-analysis of the current evidence. Maintaining these medications during hospital stay may not negatively affect COVID-19 outcomes.

The impact of pre-existing hypertension and its treatment on outcomes in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19

The impact of pre-existing hypertension on outcomes in patients with the novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) remains controversial. To address this, we examined the impact of pre-existing hypertension and its treatment on in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19. Using the CAPACITY-COVID patient registry we examined the impact of pre-existing hypertension and guideline-recommended treatments for hypertension on in-hospital mortality in unadjusted and multi-variate-adjusted analyses using logistic regression. Data from 9197 hospitalised patients with Covid-19 (median age 69 [IQR 57–78] years, 60.6% male, n = 5573) was analysed. Of these, 48.3% (n = 4443) had documented pre-existing hypertension. Patients with pre-existing hypertension were older (73 vs. 62 years, p < 0.001) and had twice the occurrence of any cardiac disease (49.3 vs. 21.8%; p < 0.001) when compared to patients without hypertension. The most documented class of anti-hypertensive drugs were angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) (n = 2499, 27.2%). In-hospital mortality occurred in (n = 2020, 22.0%), with more deaths occurring in those with pre-existing hypertension (26.0 vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001). Pre-existing hypertension was associated with in-hospital mortality in unadjusted analyses (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.42,1.74), no significant association was found following multivariable adjustment for age and other hypertension-related covariates (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87,1.10). Use of ACEi or ARB tended to have a protective effect for in-hospital mortality in fully adjusted models (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78,0.99). After appropriate adjustment for confounding, pre-existing hypertension, or treatment for hypertension, does not independently confer an increased risk of in-hospital mortality patients hospitalized with Covid-19.

Calcium Signals during SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Assessing the Potential of Emerging Therapies

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This respiratory illness was declared a pandemic by the world health organization (WHO) in March 2020, just a few weeks after being described for the first time. Since then, global research effort has considerably increased humanity's knowledge about both viruses and disease. It has also spawned several vaccines that have proven to be key tools in attenuating the spread of the pandemic and severity of COVID-19. However, with vaccine-related skepticism being on the rise, as well as breakthrough infections in the vaccinated population and the threat of a complete immune escape variant, alternative strategies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently required. Calcium signals have long been known to play an essential role in infection with diverse viruses and thus constitute a promising avenue for further research on therapeutic strategies. In this review, we introduce the pivotal role of calcium signaling in viral infection cascades. Based on this, we discuss prospective calcium-related treatment targets and strategies for the cure of COVID-19 that exploit viral dependence on calcium signals.

COVID-19 Mechanisms in the Human Body-What We Know So Far

More than one and a half years have elapsed since the commencement of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the world is struggling to contain it. Being caused by a previously unknown virus, in the initial period, there had been an extreme paucity of knowledge about the disease mechanisms, which hampered preventive and therapeutic measures against COVID-19. In an endeavor to understand the pathogenic mechanisms, extensive experimental studies have been conducted across the globe involving cell culture-based experiments, human tissue organoids, and animal models, targeted to various aspects of the disease, viz., viral properties, tissue tropism and organ-specific pathogenesis, involvement of physiological systems, and the human immune response against the infection. The vastly accumulated scientific knowledge on all aspects of COVID-19 has currently changed the scenario from great despair to hope. Even though spectacular progress has been made in all of these aspects, multiple knowledge gaps are remaining that need to be addressed in future studies. Moreover, multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have emerged across the globe since the onset of the first COVID-19 wave, with seemingly greater transmissibility/virulence and immune escape capabilities than the wild-type strain. In this review, we narrate the progress made since the commencement of the pandemic regarding the knowledge on COVID-19 mechanisms in the human body, including virus-host interactions, pulmonary and other systemic manifestations, immunological dysregulations, complications, host-specific vulnerability, and long-term health consequences in the survivors. Additionally, we provide a brief review of the current evidence explaining molecular mechanisms imparting greater transmissibility and virulence and immune escape capabilities to the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, smoking and COVID-19-related mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of observational studies to investigate the association between diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI) or smoking with the risk of death in patients with COVID-19 and to estimate the proportion of deaths attributable to these conditions.

METHODS

Relevant observational studies were identified by searches in the PubMed, Cochrane library and Embase databases through 14 November 2020. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% CIs. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane methods and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework.

RESULTS

A total of 186 studies representing 210 447 deaths among 1 304 587 patients with COVID-19 were included in this analysis. The SRR for death in patients with COVID-19 was 1.54 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.64, I2=92%, n=145, low certainty) for diabetes and 1.42 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.54, I2=90%, n=127, low certainty) for hypertension compared with patients without each of these comorbidities. Regarding obesity, the SSR was 1.45 (95% CI 1.31 to 1.61, I2=91%, n=54, high certainty) for patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 compared with those with BMI <30 kg/m2 and 1.12 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.17, I2=68%, n=25) per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. There was evidence of a J-shaped non-linear dose-response relationship between BMI and mortality from COVID-19, with the nadir of the curve at a BMI of around 22-24, and a 1.5-2-fold increase in COVID-19 mortality with extreme obesity (BMI of 40-45). The SRR was 1.28 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.40, I2=74%, n=28, low certainty) for ever, 1.29 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.62, I2=84%, n=19) for current and 1.25 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.42, I2=75%, n=14) for former smokers compared with never smokers. The absolute risk of COVID-19 death was increased by 14%, 11%, 12% and 7% for diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking, respectively. The proportion of deaths attributable to diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking was 8%, 7%, 11% and 2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking were associated with higher COVID-19 mortality, contributing to nearly 30% of COVID-19 deaths.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020218115.

Exploring Drugs and Vaccines Associated with Altered Risks and Severity of COVID-19: A UK Biobank Cohort Study of All ATC Level-4 Drug Categories Reveals Repositioning Opportunities

Effective therapies for COVID-19 are still lacking, and drug repositioning is a promising approach to address this problem. Here, we adopted a medical informatics approach to repositioning. We leveraged a large prospective cohort, the UK-Biobank (UKBB, N ~ 397,000), and studied associations of prior use of all level-4 ATC drug categories (N = 819, including vaccines) with COVID-19 diagnosis and severity. Effects of drugs on the risk of infection, disease severity, and mortality were investigated separately. Logistic regression was conducted, controlling for main confounders. We observed strong and highly consistent protective associations with statins. Many top-listed protective drugs were also cardiovascular medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blocker (CCB), and beta-blockers. Some other drugs showing protective associations included biguanides (metformin), estrogens, thyroid hormones, proton pump inhibitors, and testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors, among others. We also observed protective associations by influenza, pneumococcal, and several other vaccines. Subgroup and interaction analyses were also conducted, which revealed differences in protective effects in various subgroups. For example, protective effects of flu/pneumococcal vaccines were weaker in obese individuals, while protection by statins was stronger in cardiovascular patients. To conclude, our analysis revealed many drug repositioning candidates, for example several cardiovascular medications. Further studies are required for validation.

Influence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers on the risk of all-cause mortality and other clinical outcomes in patients with confirmed COVID-19: A systemic review and meta-analysis

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians concerned about the potential adverse effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). To explore the relationship between ACEIs/ARBs and the risk of mortality and other clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, the authors conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis. An electronic search was performed from inception to November 12, 2020 in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials, TRIP, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and CBM database. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality measured at 30-day or longer term, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, readmission, and cardiac adverse events. A total of 28 studies with 73 465 patients was included. Twenty-two studies with 19 871 patients reported the incidence of all-cause mortality. Results showed no association between using ACEIs/ARBs and risk of mortality crude odds ratio （OR） of 1.02, 95% CI 0.71-1.46, p = .90, I2  = 88%, adjusted OR in 6260 patients of 0.96, 95% CI 0.77-1.18, p = .68, I2  = 0%. While six studies with 10 030 patients reported a lower risk of mortality in ACEIs/ARBs group hazard ratio (HR) of 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.84, p = .007, I2  = 68%. Similar association (for HR) was found in hypertension subgroup. There was no significant association for the secondary outcomes. Based on the available data, we concluded that ACEIs/ARBs is not associated with the risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients, but may be associated with a decreased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. Patients with hypertension may benefit from using ACEIs/ARBs.

Cardiovascular Disease Complicating COVID-19 in the Elderly

SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA coronavirus, causes an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The highly transmissible virus gains entry into human cells primarily by the binding of its spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is expressed not only in lung tissue but also in cardiac myocytes and the vascular endothelium. Cardiovascular complications are frequent in patients with COVID-19 and may be a result of viral-associated systemic and cardiac inflammation or may arise from a virus-induced hypercoagulable state. This prothrombotic state is marked by endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation in both macrovasculature and microvasculature. In patients with subclinical atherosclerosis, COVID-19 may incite atherosclerotic plaque disruption and coronary thrombosis. Hypertension and obesity are common comorbidities in COVID-19 patients that may significantly raise the risk of mortality. Sedentary behaviors, poor diet, and increased use of tobacco and alcohol, associated with prolonged stay-at-home restrictions, may promote thrombosis, while depressed mood due to social isolation can exacerbate poor self-care. Telehealth interventions via smartphone applications and other technologies that document nutrition and offer exercise programs and social connections can be used to mitigate some of the potential damage to heart health.

Calcium channel blockers improve prognosis of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is considered an important risk factor for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The commonly anti-hypertensive drugs are the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and beta-blockers. The association between commonly used anti-hypertensive medications and the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients with hypertension has not been well studied.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients admitted with COVID-19 to Huo Shen Shan Hospital and Guanggu District of the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. Hypertension and anti-hypertensive treatment were confirmed by medical history and clinical records. The primary clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included the rates of patients in common wards transferred to the intensive care unit and hospital stay duration. Logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors associated with mortality and prognosis. Propensity score matching was used to balance the confounders between different anti-hypertensive treatments. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the cumulative recovery rate. Log-rank tests were performed to test for differences in Kaplan-Meier curves between different groups.

RESULTS

Among 4569 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 31.7% (1449/4569) had a history of hypertension. There were significant differences in mortality rates between hypertensive patients with CCBs (7/359) and those without (21/359) (1.95% vs. 5.85%, risk ratio [RR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.76, χ2 = 7.61, P = 0.0058). After matching for confounders, the mortality rates were similar between the RAAS inhibitor (4/236) and non-RAAS inhibitor (9/236) cohorts (1.69% vs. 3.81%, RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.13-1.43, χ2 = 1.98, P = 0.1596). Hypertensive patients with beta-blockers (13/340) showed no statistical difference in mortality compared with those without (11/340) (3.82% vs. 3.24%, RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.53-2.69, χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.6777).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we did not find any positive or negative effects of RAAS inhibitors or beta-blockers in COVID-19 patients with hypertension, while CCBs could improve prognosis.

Comparison of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors with other antihypertensives in association with coronavirus disease-19 clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Reports on the effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors on the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been conflicting. We performed this meta-analysis to find conclusive evidence.

METHODS

We searched published articles through PubMed, EMBASE and medRxiv from 5 January 2020 to 3 August 2020. Studies that reported clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19, stratified by the class of antihypertensives, were included. Random and fixed-effects models were used to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

A total 36 studies involving 30,795 patients with COVID-19 were included. The overall risk of poor patient outcomes (severe COVID-19 or death) was lower in patients taking RAAS inhibitors (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: [0.67, 0.95]) compared with those receiving non-RAAS inhibitor antihypertensives. However, further sub-meta-analysis showed that specific RAAS inhibitors did not show a reduction of poor COVID-19 outcomes when compared with any class of antihypertensive except beta-blockers (BBs). For example, compared to calcium channel blockers (CCBs), neither angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: [0.67, 1.23]) nor angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: [0.62, 1.33]) showed a reduction of poor COVID-19 outcomes. When compared with BBs, however, both ACEIs (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: [0.73, 0.99) and ARBs (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: [0.55, 0.94]) showed an apparent decrease in poor COVID-19 outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

RAAS inhibitors did not increase the risk of mortality or severity of COVID-19. Differences in COVID-19 clinical outcomes between different class of antihypertensive drugs were likely due to the underlying comorbidities for which the antihypertensive drugs were prescribed, although adverse effects of drugs such as BBs could not be excluded.

Chronic Cardio-Metabolic Disease Increases the Risk of Worse Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Multicenter, Retrospective, and Real-World Study

Background Although chronic cardio-metabolic disease is a common comorbidity among patients with COVID-19, its effects on the clinical characteristics and outcome are not well known. Methods and Results This study aimed to explore the association between underlying cardio-metabolic disease and mortality with COVID-19 among hospitalized patients. This multicenter, retrospective, and real-world study was conducted from January 22, 2020 to March 25, 2020 in China. Data between patients with and without 5 main cardio-metabolic diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and hyperlipidemia were compared. A total of 1303 hospitalized patients were included in the final analysis. Of them, 520 patients (39.9%) had cardio-metabolic disease. Compared with patients without cardio-metabolic disease, more patients with cardio-metabolic disease had COVID-related complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome (9.81% versus 3.32%; P<0.001), acute kidney injury (4.23% versus 1.40%; P=0.001), secondary infection (13.9% versus 9.8%; P=0.026), hypoproteinemia (12.1% versus 5.75%; P<0.001), and coagulopathy (19.4% versus 10.3%; P<0.001), had higher incidences of the severe type of COVID-19 (32.9% versus 16.7%; P<0.001), more were admitted to the intensive care unit (11.7% versus 7.92%; P=0.021), and required mechanical ventilation (9.8% versus 4.3%; P<0.001). When the number of the patients' cardio-metabolic diseases was 0, 1, and >2, the mortality was 4.2%, 11.1%, and 19.8%, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of mortality among patients with cardio-metabolic disease was 1.80 (95% CI, 1.17-2.77). Conclusions Cardio-metabolic disease was a common condition among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and it was associated with higher risks of in-hospital mortality.

A potential association between immunosenescence and high COVID-19 related mortality among elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases

Elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases account for a large proportion of Corona virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)related deaths. COVID-19, as a new coronavirus, mainly targets the patient's lung triggering a cascade of innate and adaptive immune responses in the host. The principal causes of death among COVID-19 patients, especially elderly subjects with cardiovascular diseases, are acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and microvascular thrombosis. All prompted by an excessive uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response. Immunosenescence, characterized by systemic and chronic inflammation as well as innate/adaptive immune imbalance, presents both in the elderly and cardiovascular patients. COVID-19 infection further aggravates the existing inflammatory process and lymphocyte depletion leading to uncontrollable systemic inflammatory responses, which is the primary cause of death. Based on the higher mortality, this study attempts to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 in elderly subjects with cardiovascular diseases as well as the cause of the high mortality result from COVID-19.

Global REnal Involvement of CORonavirus Disease 2019 (RECORD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes

Introduction: The quantitative effect of underlying non-communicable diseases on acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence and the factors affecting the odds of death among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) AKI patients were unclear at population level. This study aimed to assess the association between AKI, mortality, underlying non-communicable diseases, and clinical risk factors. Methods: A systematic search of six databases was performed from January 1, 2020, until October 5, 2020. Peer-reviewed observational studies containing quantitative data on risk factors and incidence of renal manifestations of COVID-19 were included. Location, institution, and time period were matched to avoid duplicated data source. Incidence, prevalence, and odds ratio of outcomes were extracted and pooled by random-effects meta-analysis. History of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and age group were stratified for analysis. Univariable meta-regression models were built using AKI incidence as dependent variable, with underlying comorbidities and clinical presentations at admission as independent variables. Results: Global incidence rates of AKI and RRT in COVID-19 patients were 20.40% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 12.07-28.74] and 2.97% (95% CI = 1.91-4.04), respectively, among patients without RRT history. Patients who developed AKI during hospitalization were associated with 8 times (pooled OR = 9.03, 95% CI = 5.45-14.94) and 16.6 times (pooled OR = 17.58, 95% CI = 10.51-29.38) increased odds of death or being critical. At population level, each percentage increase in the underlying prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and tumor history was associated with 0.82% (95% CI = 0.40-1.24), 0.48% (95% CI = 0.18-0.78), 0.99% (95% CI = 0.18-1.79), and 2.85% (95% CI = 0.93-4.76) increased incidence of AKI across different settings, respectively. Although patients who had a kidney transplant presented with a higher incidence of AKI and RRT, their odds of mortality was lower. A positive trend of increased odds of death among AKI patients against the interval between symptom onset and hospital admission was observed. Conclusion: Underlying prevalence of non-communicable diseases partly explained the heterogeneity in the AKI incidence at population level. Delay in admission after symptom onset could be associated with higher mortality among patients who developed AKI and warrants further research.

Chronic use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors in hypertensive COVID-19 patients: Results from a Spanish registry and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a prevalent condition among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Whether renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors are beneficial or harmful is controversial.

METHODS

We have performed a national retrospective, nonexperimental comparative study from two tertiary hospitals to evaluate the impact of chronic use of RAAS inhibitors in hypertensive COVID-19 patients. A meta-analysis was performed to strengthen our findings.

RESULTS

Of 849 patients, 422 (49.7%) patients were hypertensive and 310 (73.5%) were taking RAAS inhibitors at baseline. Hypertensive patients were older, had more comorbidities, and a greater incidence of respiratory failure (-0.151 [95% CI -0.218, -0.084]). Overall mortality in hypertensive patients was 28.4%, but smaller among those with prescribed RAAS inhibitors before (-0.167 [95% CI -0.220, -0.114]) and during hospitalization (0.090 [-0.008,0.188]). Similar findings were observed after two propensity score matches that evaluated the benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers among hypertensive patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of hypertensive patients found that age, diabetes mellitus, C-reactive protein, and renal failure were independently associated with all-cause mortality. On the contrary, ACEIs decreased the risk of death (OR 0.444 [95% CI 0.224-0.881]). Meta-analysis suggested a protective benefit of RAAS inhibitors (OR 0.6 [95% CI 0.42-0.8]) among hypertensive COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that RAAS inhibitors may play a protective role in hypertensive COVID-19 patients. This finding was supported by a meta-analysis of the current evidence. Maintaining these medications during hospital stay may not negatively affect COVID-19 outcomes.

Asthma in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether asthma has an influence on contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or having worse outcomes from COVID-19 disease.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence of asthma in patients with COVID-19 and the relationship between asthma and patients with COVID-19 with poor outcomes.

METHODS

The pooled prevalence of asthma in patients with COVID-19 and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. The pooled effect size (ES) was used to evaluate the association between asthma and patients with COVID-19 with poor outcomes.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of asthma in patients with COVID-19 worldwide was 8.3% (95% CI, 7.6-9.0) based on 116 articles (119 studies) with 403,392 cases. The pooled ES based on unadjusted effect estimates revealed that asthma was not associated with reduced risk of poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19 (ES, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78-1.06). Similarly, the pooled ES based on unadjusted effect estimates revealed that asthma was not associated with the reduced risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 (ES, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.73-1.05). However, the pooled ES based on adjusted effect estimates indicated that asthma was significantly associated with reduced risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 (ES 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.86).

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of asthma in patients with COVID-19 was similar to that in the general population, and asthma might be an independent protective factor for the death of patients with COVID-19, which suggests that we should pay high attention to patients co-infected asthma and COVID-19 and take locally tailored interventions and treatment. Further well-designed studies with large sample sizes are required to verify our findings.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors in COVID-19: A Review

Among the multiple uncertainties surrounding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a research letter published in The Lancet implicated drugs that antagonize the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in an unfavorable prognosis of COVID-19. This report prompted investigations to identify mechanisms by which blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) could lead to serious consequences in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The possible association between RAAS inhibitors use and unfavorable prognosis in this disease may have been biased by the presence of underlying cardiovascular diseases. As the number of COVID-19 cases has increased worldwide, it has now become possible to investigate the association between RAAS inhibitors and unfavorable prognosis in larger cohorts. Observational studies and one randomized clinical trial failed to identify any consistent association between the use of these drugs and unfavorable prognosis in COVID-19. In view of the accumulated clinical evidence, several scientific societies recommend that treatment with RAAS inhibitors should not be discontinued in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (unless contraindicated). This recommendation should be followed by clinicians and patients.

Outcomes of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Receiving Renin Angiotensin System Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers

INTRODUCTION

Use of certain antihypertensive medications has been an area of interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several hypotheses have been developed regarding the effects of renin-angiotensin system blockers as well as calcium channel blockers in those infected with COVID-19. We seek to determine the association between exposure to ACEI, ARB, and CCB and outcomes in those admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 841 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection at the University of Chicago Medical Center between March 25 and June 22, 2020. Out of these 841, 453 patients had a personal history of hypertension. For the first part, we evaluated primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission in hospitalized COVID-19 patients based on their exposure to particular medications regardless of a personal history of hypertension and compared them with those who were not on these medications. For the second part, we evaluated the aforementioned outcomes in 453 patients with a personal history of hypertension based on their medication exposure. Secondary outcomes of length of stay, readmission rate, and new-onset dialysis requirement were also compared across the study groups.

RESULTS

Out of 841 patients, 111 (13.19%) were on ACEI/ARB (median age: 66.1, SD 15.4; 52.25% females) and 730 (86.80%) were not on them (median age: 56.6, SD 20.3; 50.14% females), while 277 (32.93%) used CCB (median age: 64.6, SD 15.2; 57.04% females) and 564 (67.06%) did not use CCB (median age: 54.6, SD 21.2; 47.16% females). After adjusting for demographics and covariates, neither ACEI/ARB nor CCB exposure was associated with any effect on mortality, but ACEI/ARB exposure was associated with 42% reduction in risk of ICU admissions (OR 0.58, 95% CI [0.35, 0.95], p value 0.03). In addition, combined use of ACEI/ARB and CCB was associated with statistically significant (45%) reduction in ICU admission (OR 0.55, 95% CI [0.32, 0.94], p value 0.029). Out of 453 patients with a personal history of hypertension, 85 (18.76%) were taking ACEI/ARB (median age 65, SD 15.6; 56.47% females) and 368 (81.24%) were not on ACEI/ARB (median age 62.8, SD 16.4; 54.89% females), while 208 (45.92%) out of 453 were on CCB (median age 65; SD 14.8; 60.1% females) and 245 (54.08%) were not on CCB (median age 61.7, SD 17.3; 51.02% females). In the fully adjusted model in this group, ACEI use was associated with 71% reduction in in-house mortality (OR 0.29, 95% CI [0.09, 0.93], p value 0.03).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Among all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection, exposure to ACEI/ARB, as well as combined exposure to ACEI/ARB and CCB, were associated with reduced incidence of ICU admissions. In those admitted patients who had a personal history of hypertension, there was a trend towards reduced in-hospital mortality in those exposed to ACEI.

Effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19: A meta-analysis

To investigate the effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors on the prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A meta-analysis was performed. We systematically searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, EMBASE, medRxiv, and bioRxiv database through October 30, 2020. The primary and secondary outcomes were mortality and severe COVID-19, respectively. We included 25 studies with 22,734 COVID-19 patients, and we compared the outcomes between patients who did and did not receive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs). The use of ACEIs/ARBs was not associated with higher risks of severe disease (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63, 1.15; I2  = 38.55%), mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.16; I2  = 3.19%), dialysis (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.09, 2.39; I2  = 0.00%), or the length of hospital stay (SMD = 0.05; 95% CI: -0.16, 0.26; I2  = 84.43%) in COVID-19 patients. The effect estimates showed an overall protective effect of ACEIs/ARBs against mortality (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.85; I2  = 73.37%), severity/mortality (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.95; I2  = 22.90%), transfer to the intensive care unit among COVID-19 patients with hypertension (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.53, I2  = 0.00%), hospitalization (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.98; I2  = 0.00%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.95; I2  = 0.00%). The use of RAAS inhibitor was not associated with increased mortality or disease severity in COVID-19 patients. This study supports the current guidelines that discourage the discontinuation of RAAS inhibitors in COVID-19 patients.

The use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors is associated with a lower risk of mortality in hypertensive COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are one of the most prescribed antihypertensive medications. Previous studies showed RAAS inhibitors increase the expression of ACE2, a cellular receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which provokes a concern that the use of ACEI and ARB in hypertensive individuals might lead to increased mortality and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To further investigate the effects of ACEI/ARB on COVID-19 patients, we systematically reviewed relevant studies that met predetermined inclusion criteria in search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, medRxiv, and bioRxiv. The search strategy included clinical data published through October 12, 2020. Twenty-six studies involving 8104 hypertensive patients in ACEI/ARB-treated group and 8203 hypertensive patients in non-ACEI/ARB-treated group were analyzed. Random-effects meta-analysis showed ACEI/ARB treatment was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality in hypertensive COVID-19 patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.624, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.457-0.852, p = .003, I²  = 74.3%). Meta-regression analysis showed that age, gender, study site, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores, comorbidities of diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, or cancer has no significant modulating effect of ACEI/ARB treatment on the mortality of hypertensive COVID-19 patients (all p > .1). In addition, the ACEI/ARB treatment was associated with a lower risk of ventilatory support (OR = 0.682, 95% CI = 0.475-1.978, p = .037, I²  = 0.0%). In conclusion, these results suggest that ACEI/ARB medications should not be discontinued for hypertensive patients in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.

Association Between Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The chronic receipt of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been assumed to exacerbate complications associated with COVID-19 and produce worse clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis comparing mortality and severe adverse events (AEs) associated with receipt vs nonreceipt of ACEIs or ARBs among patients with COVID-19.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched from December 31, 2019, until September 1, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

The meta-analysis included any study design, with the exception of narrative reviews or opinion-based articles, in which COVID-19 was diagnosed through laboratory or radiological test results and in which clinical outcomes (unadjusted or adjusted) associated with COVID-19 were assessed among adult patients (≥18 years) receiving ACEIs or ARBs.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Three authors independently extracted data on mortality and severe AEs associated with COVID-19. Severe AEs were defined as intensive care unit admission or the need for assisted ventilation. For each outcome, a random-effects model was used to compare the odds ratio (OR) between patients receiving ACEIs or ARBs vs those not receiving ACEIs or ARBs.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Unadjusted and adjusted ORs for mortality and severe AEs associated with COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 1788 records from the PubMed and Embase databases were identified; after removal of duplicates, 1664 records were screened, and 71 articles underwent full-text evaluation. Clinical data were pooled from 52 eligible studies (40 cohort studies, 6 case series, 4 case-control studies, 1 randomized clinical trial, and 1 cross-sectional study) enrolling 101 949 total patients, of whom 26 545 (26.0%) were receiving ACEIs or ARBs. When adjusted for covariates, significant reductions in the risk of death (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43-0.76; P < .001) and severe AEs (aOR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.88; P < .001) were found. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of a subgroup of patients with hypertension indicated decreases in the risk of death (unadjusted OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.49-0.91]; P = .01; aOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32-0.84]; P = .008) and severe AEs (unadjusted OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54-0.91]; P = .007; aOR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.85]; P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, receipt of ACEIs or ARBs was not associated with a higher risk of multivariable-adjusted mortality and severe AEs among patients with COVID-19 who had either hypertension or multiple comorbidities, supporting the recommendations of medical societies. On the contrary, ACEIs and ARBs may be associated with protective benefits, particularly among patients with hypertension. Future randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish causality.

Controversial Roles of the Renin Angiotensin System and Its Modulators During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since December 2019, the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread and overwhelmed healthcare systems worldwide, urging physicians to understand how to manage this novel infection. Early in the pandemic, more severe forms of COVID-19 have been observed in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, who are often treated with renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS)-blockers, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), but whether these are indeed independent risk factors is unknown. The cellular receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the membrane-bound angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as for SARS-CoV(-1). Experimental data suggest that expression of ACE2 may be increased by RAAS-blockers, raising concerns that these drugs may facilitate viral cell entry. On the other hand, ACE2 is a key counter-regulator of the RAAS, by degrading angiotensin II into angiotensin (1-7), and may thereby mediate beneficial effects in COVID-19. These considerations have raised concerns about the management of these drugs, and early comments shed vivid controversy among physicians. This review will describe the homeostatic balance between ACE-angiotensin II and ACE2-angiotensin (1-7) and summarize the pathophysiological rationale underlying the debated role of the RAAS and its modulators in the context of the pandemic. In addition, we will review available evidence investigating the impact of RAAS blockers on the course and prognosis of COVID-19 and discuss why retrospective observational studies should be interpreted with caution. These considerations highlight the importance of solid evidence-based data in order to guide physicians in the management of RAAS-interfering drugs in the general population as well as in patients with more or less severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Clinical outcome of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in treatment of hypertensive patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 has been stated as global disease pandemic due to its rapid spread worldwide. Up to 30% of coronavirus disease 2019 patients with hypertension are more susceptible to death. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have been used as primary line of medication for hypertension; nonetheless, conflicting data arises as numerous studies showed contradictory results.

MAIN BODY

Aiming to show clinical outcome of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in hospital treatment of hypertensive patients with coronavirus disease 2019, systematically searched literatures through five databases were intensively appraised using The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation checklists for cohort studies. Based on the result evaluation from retrospective cohorts involving more than 15,000 patients across Asia and other regions of the world, ten encompassed studies divided into two subgroups in this meta-review showed that in-hospital hypertensive coronavirus disease 2019 patients receiving antihypertensive drugs were associated with overall risk reduction in subgroup 1 (hazard ratio, HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.82-1.12) to no outcome association of all-cause mortalities in subgroup 2 (HR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.19-0.34). All appraised studies in synergism showed that mortality outcomes were not augmented with the employment of either ACE inhibitor or ARB in subjects.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the results support recommendation by the American Heart Association not to discontinue angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker regimens in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with hypertension.

Effect of Discontinuing vs Continuing Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers on Days Alive and Out of the Hospital in Patients Admitted With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

It is unknown whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective

To determine whether discontinuation compared with continuation of ACEIs or ARBs changed the number of days alive and out of the hospital through 30 days.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized clinical trial of 659 patients hospitalized in Brazil with mild to moderate COVID-19 who were taking ACEIs or ARBs prior to hospitalization (enrolled: April 9-June 26, 2020; final follow-up: July 26, 2020).

Interventions

Discontinuation (n = 334) or continuation (n = 325) of ACEIs or ARBs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the number of days alive and out of the hospital through 30 days. Secondary outcomes included death, cardiovascular death, and COVID-19 progression.

Results

Among 659 patients, the median age was 55.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 46.1-65.0 years), 14.7% were aged 70 years or older, 40.4% were women, and 100% completed the trial. The median time from symptom onset to hospital admission was 6 days (IQR, 4-9 days) and 27.2% of patients had an oxygen saturation of less than 94% of room air at baseline. In terms of clinical severity, 57.1% of patients were considered mild at hospital admission and 42.9% were considered moderate. There was no significant difference in the number of days alive and out of the hospital in patients in the discontinuation group (mean, 21.9 days [SD, 8 days]) vs patients in the continuation group (mean, 22.9 days [SD, 7.1 days]) and the mean ratio was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90-1.01). There also was no statistically significant difference in death (2.7% for the discontinuation group vs 2.8% for the continuation group; odds ratio [OR], 0.97 [95% CI, 0.38-2.52]), cardiovascular death (0.6% vs 0.3%, respectively; OR, 1.95 [95% CI, 0.19-42.12]), or COVID-19 progression (38.3% vs 32.3%; OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.95-1.80]). The most common adverse events were respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (9.6% in the discontinuation group vs 7.7% in the continuation group), shock requiring vasopressors (8.4% vs 7.1%, respectively), acute myocardial infarction (7.5% vs 4.6%), new or worsening heart failure (4.2% vs 4.9%), and acute kidney failure requiring hemodialysis (3.3% vs 2.8%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients hospitalized with mild to moderate COVID-19 and who were taking ACEIs or ARBs before hospital admission, there was no significant difference in the mean number of days alive and out of the hospital for those assigned to discontinue vs continue these medications. These findings do not support routinely discontinuing ACEIs or ARBs among patients hospitalized with mild to moderate COVID-19 if there is an indication for treatment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04364893.

Association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers and outcome in coronavirus disease 2019: analysing in-hospital exposure generates a biased seemingly protective effect of treatment

OBJECTIVE

The role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a matter of controversies. Studies based on in-hospital exposure have suggested a beneficial effect of these drugs, unlike those based on chronic exposure. We aimed to analyse RAAS blocker prescription before and during hospital stay in patients with COVID-19, and the corresponding outcomes, to explain these discrepant results.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study conducted in 347 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 (Bichat Hospital, Paris, France, 23 January-29 April 2020), RAAS blocker exposure, as well as timing and reason for treatment modifications, were collected. The association between exposure and mortality within 30 days of hospital admission was analysed using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Median age was 61 [interquartile range, 51-72] years, 209 (60%) were male, 169 (49%) had a history of treated hypertension, and 117 (34%) received a RAAS blocker prior to hospitalization. RAAS blockers were discontinued within the first 7 days of hospital admission in 33% of previously treated patients (mostly driven by severity of the disease), with a corresponding mortality rate of 33%. Mortality was 8% when treatment was maintained or introduced, and 12% in patients never exposed. Adjusted odds ratios for association between exposure and mortality were 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.25-1.48) based on chronic exposure and 0.25 (0.09-0.65) based on in-hospital exposure.

CONCLUSION

A 'healthy user-sick stopper' bias influences RAAS blocker prescription after hospital admission for COVID-19, and explains the seemingly favourable outcome associated with in-hospital treatment.

The influence of pre-existing hypertension on coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Hypertension represents one of the most common pre-existing conditions and comorbidities in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. To explore whether hypertension serves as a risk factor for disease severity, a multi-centre, retrospective study was conducted in COVID-19 patients. A total of 498 consecutively hospitalised patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19 in China were enrolled in this cohort. Using logistic regression, we assessed the association between hypertension and the likelihood of severe illness with adjustment for confounders. We observed that more than 16% of the enrolled patients exhibited pre-existing hypertension on admission. More severe COVID-19 cases occurred in individuals with hypertension than those without hypertension (21% vs. 10%, P = 0.007). Hypertension associated with the increased risk of severe illness, which was not modified by other demographic factors, such as age, sex, hospital geological location and blood pressure levels on admission. More attention and treatment should be offered to patients with underlying hypertension, who usually are older, have more comorbidities and more susceptible to cardiac complications.

The Association between Obesity and Severity in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: a Retrospective, Single-center Study, Wuhan

Aim: In other respiratory infectious diseases, obesity may be associated with a poor outcome. For coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the association between obesity and severity or prognosis requires further analysis. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study. Hospitalized patients were recruited in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2, 2020 to February 20, 2020. The data of body mass index (BMI) was obtained from follow-up of surviving patients. According to BMI, normal weight was defined as 18.5-23.9 kg/m², overweight as 24.0-27.9 kg/m² and obesity as > 28.0 kg/m². Results: A total of 463 patients were enrolled, of which 242 (52.3%) patients were in the normal weight group; 179 (38.7%) were in the overweight group; and 42 (9.1%) were in the obesity group. Compared to the normal group, obese patients were more likely to have a higher heart rate; lower finger oxygen saturation; higher levels of white blood cells, neutrophil counts, basophil counts, intravenous glucose, triacylglycerol, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase-MB, CD19+ cell counts and percentage; and lower levels of monocyte percentage, high density lipoprotein and CD3+ cell percentage. In addition, the proportions of hypertension (21.5% vs. 42.6%) and severe+critical illness (47.8 vs. 81.0 %) were significantly higher in the obesity group than those in normal group. However, no significant differences were observed between the normal and obesity groups in critical illness, organ damage and defined endpoint (mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit). Multiple logistic regression showed that obesity increased the risk of developing severe+critical illness (Odd ratio 3.586, 95% CI 1.550-8.298, P=0.003) in patients with COVID-19, and did not affect the risk of critical illness, organ damage and endpoints. Overweight did not affect the risk of severity, organ damage or endpoint in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: Obesity may be a risk factor for developing severity in patients with COVID-19.

Comparison of infection risks and clinical outcomes in patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 lung infection under renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) is the receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2. Animal studies suggest that renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers might increase the expression of ACE2 and potentially increase the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods and Results

The effect of ACE inhibitor (ACEI) treatment on the pneumonia incidence in non‐COVID‐19 patients (25 studies, 330 780 patients) was associated with a 26% reduction of pneumonia risk (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, P < .001). Pneumonia‐related death cases in ACEI‐treated non‐COVID‐19 patients were reduced by 27% (OR: 0.73, P = .004). However, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) treatment (10 studies, 275 621 non‐COVID‐19 patients) did not alter pneumonia risk in patients. Pneumonia‐related death cases in ARB‐treated non‐COVID‐19 patients was analysed only in 1 study and was significantly reduced (OR, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 0.72). Results from 11 studies (8.4 million patients) showed that the risk of getting infected with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus was reduced by 13% (OR: 0.87, P = .014) in patients treated with ACEI, whereas analysis from 10 studies (8.4 million patients) treated with ARBs showed no effect (OR, 0.92, P = .354). Results from 34 studies in 67 644 COVID‐19 patients showed that RAAS blockade reduces all‐cause mortality by 24% (OR = 0.76, P = .04).

Conclusion

ACEIs reduce the risk of getting infected with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Blocking the RAAS may decrease all‐cause mortality in COVID‐19 patients. ACEIs also reduce the risk of non‐COVID pneumonia. All‐cause mortality due to non‐COVID pneumonia is reduced by ACEI and potentially by ARBs.

Prevalence and predictors of death and severe disease in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 77 studies and 38,000 patients

Introduction

Progression of COVID-19 to severe disease and death is insufficiently understood.

Objective

Summarize the prevalence of risk factors and adverse outcomes and determine their associations in COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science for case-series and observational studies of hospitalized COVID-19 patients through August 31, 2020. Data were analyzed by fixed-effects meta-analysis using Shore’s adjusted confidence intervals to address heterogeneity.

Results

Seventy-seven studies comprising 38906 hospitalized patients met inclusion criteria; 21468 from the US-Europe and 9740 from China. Overall prevalence of death [% (95% CI)] from COVID-19 was 20% (18–23%); 23% (19–27%) in the US and Europe and 11% (7–16%) for China. Of those that died, 85% were aged≥60 years, 66% were males, and 66%, 44%, 39%, 37%, and 27% had hypertension, smoking history, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), respectively. The case fatality risk [%(95% CI)] were 52% (46–60) for heart disease, 51% (43–59) for COPD, 48% (37–63) for chronic kidney disease (CKD), 39% for chronic liver disease (CLD), 28% (23–36%) for hypertension, and 24% (17–33%) for diabetes. Summary relative risk (sRR) of death were higher for age≥60 years [sRR = 3.6; 95% CI: 3.0–4.4], males [1.3; 1.2–1.4], smoking history [1.3; 1.1–1.6], COPD [1.7; 1.4–2.0], hypertension [1.8; 1.6–2.0], diabetes [1.5; 1.4–1.7], heart disease [2.1; 1.8–2.4], CKD [2.5; 2.1–3.0]. The prevalence of hypertension (55%), diabetes (33%), smoking history (23%) and heart disease (17%) among the COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the US were substantially higher than that of the general US population, suggesting increased susceptibility to infection or disease progression for the individuals with comorbidities.

Conclusions

Public health screening for COVID-19 can be prioritized based on risk-groups. Appropriately addressing the modifiable risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes could reduce morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19; public messaging can be accordingly adapted.

Clinical Features of COVID-19 Patients with Different Outcomes in Wuhan: A Retrospective Observational Study

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide since December 2019. This retrospective study determined the characteristics and prognostic factors of COVID-19 patients, focusing on inpatients who died or were discharged between 30 December 2019 and 29 February 2020 at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. Patients' medical histories, comorbidities, symptoms, signs, laboratory findings, computed tomography (CT) findings, and clinical management were recorded. All 293 patients were divided into the nonsurviving (n = 116) and surviving (n = 177) groups. The median age was older in the nonsurviving group than in the surviving group; most patients were older than 65 years in the nonsurviving group. The incidence rates of lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and leukocytosis were significantly higher in the nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. More patients in the nonsurviving group had increased levels of nonspecific infection markers, abnormal liver and kidney function, cardiac injury, and blood coagulation abnormalities on admission. Immune and inflammatory responses were more severely disturbed in the nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. The incidence rates of complications during hospitalization were higher in the nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. Cox regression results also showed that older age, symptoms of dyspnea, comorbidities, and complications were all predictors of death. Close monitoring and timely treatment are needed for high-risk COVID-19 patients.

Influence of blood pressure control and application of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on the outcomes in COVID-19 patients with hypertension

Hypertension is proved to be associated with severity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, little is known about the effects of pre‐admission and/or in‐hospital antihypertension treatments on clinical outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between in‐hospital blood pressure (BP) control and COVID‐19–related outcomes and to compare the effects of different antihypertension treatments. This study included 2864 COVID‐19 patients and 1628 were hypertensive. Patients were grouped according to their BP during hospitalization and records of medication application. Patients with higher BP showed worse cardiac and renal functions and clinical outcomes. After adjustment, subjects with pre‐admission usage of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors (HR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.14‐0.86, P = .022) had a lower risk of adverse clinical outcomes, including death, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, septic shock, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit admission. Particularly, hypertension patients receiving RAAS inhibitor treatment either before (HR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.13‐0.97, P = .043) or after (HR = 0.18, 95%CI 0.04‐0.86, P = .031) admission showed a significantly lower risk of adverse clinical outcomes than those receiving application of other antihypertensive medicines. Furthermore, consecutive application of RAAS inhibitors in COVID‐19 patients with hypertension showed better clinical outcomes (HR = 0.10, 95%CI 0.01‐0.83, P = .033) than non‐RAAS inhibitors users. We revealed that COVID‐19 patients with poor BP control during hospitalization had worse clinical outcomes. Compared with other antihypertension medicines, RAAS inhibitors were beneficial for improving clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients with hypertension. Our findings provide direct evidence to support the administration of RAAS inhibitors to COVID‐19 patients with hypertension before and after admission.