2.1 Inclusion criteria
A broad web-based search was conducted to identify all citations
published, or in the pre-print stage. Having narrowed down the search
tailored to the aims of our study, we finalised the citations to be
included as part of the meta-analysis by incorporating a predefined set
of inclusion criteria.
1. The studies must report a clear distinction between use and non-use
of ACEi/ARB as the two-comparator arms. If the studies provided data
separately for ACEi or ARB then we intended to analyse the impact on
outcomes independently. However, in the absence of non-segregation of
data between ACEi or ARB, analysis will be performed for the combined
use of ACEi and ARB.
2. Studies must include patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections only.
3. Severity of infection, death and hospitalisation was the primary
outcomes of interest.
4. In the process of data analysis any additional outcome of importance
could be included after arriving at a consensus.
5. All patients in the active-treatment arm must have been treated with
ACEi/ARB.
We excluded all data presented in the form of commentaries, review
articles, or case reports. Any data unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 infection
were also excluded.