RAS inhibition to prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in patients admitted with a COVID-19 infection

The COVID-19 pandemic causes high morbidity and mortality because COVID-19 infection can cause acute lung damage and be complicated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a well-known cardiovascular cascade, also appears to play a role in the development of ARDS. The COVID-19 virus is believed to consume 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, resulting in ICU admissions and possible death. Research The hypothesis is that RAS inhibition using ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, such as lisinopril and valsartan respectively, can prevent the development of acute lung damage and ARDS in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, thereby preventing ICU admissions and deaths.