Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and bacterial pneumonia in patients with Parkinson disease

Background: To evaluate the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers with pneumonia development in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: The study cohort consisted of patients aged 50 years or older who were initially diagnosed with PD and had hypertension. We assessed the patients' exposure statuses and accumulated doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. We then evaluated the risk of pneumonia development in the patients who were exposed to these drugs and those who were not. Results: We examined 2,310 patients. During the observation period, 608 patients developed pneumonia. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of pneumonia. This association was dose-dependent. Conclusion: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use was associated with a dose-dependent reduction in the risk of pneumonia in patients with PD and hypertension.