Renin-angiotensin-system blockers and IgG antibodies in end-stage renal disease hemodialysis-receiving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 )SARSCoV-2(infections among patients receiving in-center hemodialysis)ICHD(, the relationship between the IgG antibody levels against the virus and SARS-CoV-2-associated symptoms, hemodialysis adequacy, and the antihypertensives used in order to control blood pressure. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care center, King Fahad Kidney Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between November 2020 and January 2021. A total of 214 ICHD patients with end-stage renal disease)ESRD(were included, and the levels of their anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were assessed after obtaining their informed consent. Results: Our tests indicated that 15% of the patients in the study’s population had detectable SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, with more than half of them)53%(being asymptomatic. We also found that ESRD patients on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers)ACEIs/ARBs(had higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies than patients not receiving this group of medications. Conclusion: More studies are required to assess whether patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection that do not have an indication for being prescribed ACEIs/ARBs would benefit from receiving these medications.