INVITED REVIEW / DAVETLİ DERLEME The Relationship between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Statins and Pneumonia

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and statins have been identified to have possible beneficial effects in the manage-ment of pneumonia. ACEIs have been shown to increase cough and reduce dysphagia-two mechanisms that could reduce susceptibility to pneumonia. Studies have found a reduction in pneumonia inci-dence in those taking ACEIs however overall benefit remains un-proven. The reason for this is that studies have only been conducted in those with risk factors requiring ACEI treatment. Statins have mul-tiple cellular effects that could be beneficial in pneumonia. Ben-efit in animal studies has been shown. While associations between statin use and both reduced pneumonia incidence and better out-comes have been found the results are not consistent between stud-ies and a causal effect has not been proven. Randomised controlled trials in the general population, with pneumonia as an endpoint, are required for both ACEIs and statins to determine whether beneficia