Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) expression may increase due to upregulation in patients using
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Because renin-angiotensin system blockers increase levels of ACE2, a
protein that facilitates coronavirus entry into cells, there is concern that these drugs could increase the risk of developing a severe and fatal form of
COVID-19. The impact of discontinuing ACEI and ARBs in patients with
COVID-19 remains uncertain. DESIGN:
BRACE CORONA is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized, phase IV, clinical trial that aims to enroll around 500 participants at 34 sites in Brazil. Participants will be identified from an ongoing national registry of suspected and confirmed cases of
COVID-19. Eligible patients using renin-angiotensin system blockers (ACEI/ARBs) with a confirmed diagnosis of
COVID-19 will be randomized to a strategy of continued ACEI/ARB treatment versus temporary discontinuation for 30 days. The primary outcome is the median days alive and out of the hospital at 30 days. Secondary outcomes include progression of
COVID-19 disease, all-cause mortality, death from cardiovascular causes,
myocardial infarction,
stroke,
transient ischemic attack, new or worsening
heart failure,
myocarditis,
pericarditis, arrhythmias, thromboembolic events,
hypertensive crisis,
respiratory failure, hemodynamic decompensation,
sepsis,
renal failure, and
troponin,
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-proBNP, and
D-dimer levels. SUMMARY:
BRACE CORONA will evaluate whether the strategy of continued ACEI/ARB
therapy compared with temporary discontinuation of these drugs impacts clinical outcomes among patients with
COVID-19.