Comparison of Severity of COVID-19 Infection among Patients Using RAAS Inhibitors and Non-RAAS Inhibitors.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article was to study the safety profile of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor in COVID-19-affected Indian patients. INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19 infection. There has been uncertainty about use of RAAS inhibitors in COVID-19. The association of RAAS inhibitors with severity of infection and clinical outcomes was addressed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study from Indian intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 138 were included, who were divided into group A (RAAS inhibitor) and group B (non-RAAS inhibitor). They are followed up till ICU stay during which peak levels of ferritin, D dimer, interleukin-6 were noted (primary outcome). The number of ventilator days, ICU length of stay, and ICU outcome also compared. RESULTS: Of 138 patients, 18 are included in group A and 120, in group B. There is no difference in peak levels (mean) D dimer [5,893 vs 7,710, p 0.46], ferritin [2,388 vs 3,635, p 0.56], interleukin-6 [9,597 vs 3,625, p 0.06]. There is no difference in number of ventilator days (2.2 vs 1.78, p 0.53) and ICU length of stay (6.5 vs 6.1, p 0.74). CONCLUSION: RAAS inhibitors can be safely continued in COVID-19 infection. It is not associated with an increase in severity of infection, ICU length of stay, and mortality. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE Reddy PR, Samavedam S, Aluru N, Rajyalakshmi B. Comparison of Severity of COVID-19 Infection among Patients Using RAAS Inhibitors and Non-RAAS Inhibitors. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(4)366-368.