The association between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors /angiotensin receptor blockers and the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: This study was to examine the association between treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and the risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: Utilizing a retrospective cohort approach, the data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. VAP diagnoses were ascertained through the international classification of disease codes recorded in the database. Both univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between ACEI or ARB use and VAP. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of comorbidities (AKI, renal failure, diabetes, hypertension, and sepsis), simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II), as well as the use of vasopressors and antibiotics on this association. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the evaluation metrics.

Results: The study comprised 8,888 patients, with 897 (10.09%) experiencing VAP. The analysis revealed that patients on ACEI or ARB therapy had a lower risk of developing VAP (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62-0.99, P = 0.047). Subgroup analyses revealed that the protective effect was observed in patients with AKI (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.94, P = 0.020), renal failure (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.02-0.84, P = 0.032), and diabetes (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.94, P = 0.024), as well as in those receiving vasopressors (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.92, P = 0.012), and antibiotics (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57-0.96, P = 0.021). No significant difference in VAP development was observed between patients treated with ACEI versus ARB (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.49-1.47, P = 0.547).

Conclusion: This study's findings suggest a substantial association between the use of ACEIs or ARBs and reduced development of VAP, particularly among patients with specific comorbidities and those on vasopressor and antibiotic therapy. This study may educate the ICU team on the potential benefits of ACEIs and ARBs in preventing VAP, emphasizing the importance of considering these medications in the overall treatment plan.