Use of DPP4i reduced odds of clinical deterioration and hyperinflammatory syndrome in COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes: Propensity score analysis of a territory-wide cohort in Hong Kong

Diabetes Metab. 2022 Jan;48(1):101307. doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2021.101307. Epub 2021 Dec 1.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have poorer prognosis. Inconclusive evidence suggested dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) might reduce inflammation and prevent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry, hence further evaluation on DPP4i is needed.

Methods: 1214 Patients with T2DM were admitted with COVID-19 between 21st January 2020 and 31st January 2021 in Hong Kong. Exposure was DPP4i use within the 90 days prior to admission for COVID-19. Assessed outcomes included clinical deterioration, clinical improvement, low viral load, positive Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, hyperinflammatory syndrome, proportion of IgG antibody, clinical status and length of hospitalization. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of event outcomes and continuous outcomes, respectively.

Results: DPP4i users (N = 107) was associated with lower odds of clinical deterioration (OR=0.71, 95%CI 0.54 to 0.93, P = 0.013), hyperinflammatory syndrome (OR=0.56, 95%CI 0.45 to 0.69, P < 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR=0.30, 95%CI 0.21 to 0.42, P < 0.001), reduced length of hospitalization (-4.82 days, 95%CI -6.80 to -2.84, P < 0.001), proportion of positive IgG antibody on day-3 (13% vs 8%, p = 0.007) and day-7 (41% vs 26%, P < 0.001), despite lack of association between DPP4i use and in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion: DPP4i use was associated with reduced odds of clinical deterioration and hyperinflammatory syndrome. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the role of DPP4i in T2DM and COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; DPP4i; Hyperinflammatory syndrome; In-hospital death; Viral clearance.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Clinical Deterioration*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / epidemiology
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors*
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Propensity Score
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors