Clinical Signs and Medical History as Predictors of Enalapril-Associated Dry Cough in Cardiovascular Patients

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are among the most prescribed and effective medicinal products for the treatment of several cardiovascular diseases. According to a number of studies, 30% of patients taking ACEIs develop adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and treatment discontinuation is often required as a result. The most common ADR associated with ACEIs is a dry (non-productive) cough. Nevertheless, the clinical signs and medical history predictive of this ADR in cardiovascular patients are still understudied.

The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical signs and medical history predictive of cough in patients with cardiovascular conditions treated with enalapril.

Materials and methods. The study was carried out in 2019–2022 and enrolled 224 patients with essential hypertension (grades 2 and 3) treated with enalapril at a dose of 10–20 mg/day. The patients were assigned to 2 groups: Group 1 included 113 patients with enalapril-associated cough, while Group 2 (control group) comprised 104 patients without this ADR. At screening, all the patients underwent a general examination and a check of their allergy and medication history. Using the data obtained, the authors analysed the association of the clinical signs and medical history with the ADR of interest (dry cough).

Results. In contrast to the control group, the group with ACEI-associated dry cough included more patients with a history of drug-induced toxicoderma (OR=5.639, CI 2.234–14.236, χ²=15.845, and p<0.001) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=3.409, CI 1.461–7.953, χ²=8.7472, and p<0.01), a family history of bronchial asthma (OR=4.141, CI 2.066–8.299, χ²=17.417, and p<0.001), and a close family history of severe allergic reactions (OR=3.714, CI 1.720– 8.018, χ²=12.137, and p<0.001).

Conclusions. A family history of allergy increases the probability of dry cough in patients taking ACEIs. In order to improve the safety of ACEI therapy, patients with cardiovascular conditions should be asked more detailed questions about their personal or first-degree family history of allergy.

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