RAS inhibition for the prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in patients admitted with a COVID-19 infection

Project description The COVID-19 pandemic causes high morbidity and mortality because COVID-19 infection can cause acute lung damage and be complicated by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a well-known cardiovascular cascade, has also been shown to play a role in the development of ARDS. It is believed that the COVID-19 virus consumes the enzyme ACE2. This is an enzyme that normally breaks down angiotensin-II (ANG-II). Reduction of ACE2 can cause an accumulation of ANG-II, which can lead to acute lung damage with IC admissions and possibly death. Research It is hypothesized that RAS inhibition by ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, such as, for example, lisinopril and valsartan, respectively, may reverse the development of acute lung damage and ARDS in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, thereby preventing IC admissions and death.