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. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society