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Association Between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Prevalent Use and COVID-19-Related Mortality: A

Pablo Ignacio Osores1, María Noelia Vivacqua1, Carolina Vazquez2

  • 1From the Psychiatry.

Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|September 8, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) did not reduce mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This study found no independent effect of SSRI use on in-hospital deaths after adjusting for confounding factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • The emergence of COVID-19 prompted research into various therapeutic strategies.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) possess anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential benefits for inflammatory diseases.
  • Prior evidence indicated SSRIs might mitigate COVID-19 severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between SSRI use and in-hospital mortality among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
  • To evaluate the potential protective effect of SSRIs in the context of COVID-19 infection.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted.
  • Adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR were included.
  • The association between prior SSRI exposure and in-hospital mortality was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Of 1689 patients, 182 (10.8%) were exposed to SSRIs.
  • In-hospital mortality was 17.2% overall (24.2% in SSRI group vs. 16.4% in non-SSRI group).
  • After adjusting for confounders using IPTW and multivariable analysis, SSRI use showed no independent effect on mortality (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Prior use of SSRIs was not associated with reduced in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
  • The anti-inflammatory effects of SSRIs did not translate to a survival benefit in this patient cohort.
  • Further research may be needed to explore other potential roles or patient subgroups for SSRI use in COVID-19.

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