Influence of prior comorbidities and chronic medications use on the risk of COVID-19 in adults: a population-based cohort study in Tarragona, Spain
The results of this analysis (79,083 individuals aged >50) suggest age, nursing home residence and multiple comorbidities were independently associated with increased risk of Covid-19, and receiving influenza vaccination with a decreased risk; further studies are required.
Source:
BMJ Open
SPS commentary:
Although the study cohort was large, the number of Covid-19 positive cases (confirmed by PCR) was relatively low (380) and the statistical power was therefore limited. PCR testing was not routinely performed and most cases included in the study were severe enough to warrant medical treatment; therefore, those who were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic were largely under-represented.
After multivariable adjustment, receiving diuretics (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.76; p=0.026) was the only pre-existing active medication group to be statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of Covid-19. Receiving angiotensin receptor blockers or ACE inhibitors was associated with a reduced risk, and receipt of other cardiovascular medicines did not appear to alter risk. Due to the various limitations of this research, further study of the observed associations is required.