Statin use is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19

Objectives:
Observations studies have shown that prior use of statins is associated with a reduced risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, the available data are limited, inconsistent and conflicting. Besides, no randomised controlled trial exists in this regard. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is statin use associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19?

Study design:
This review article included 14 observational studies with 19,988 patients with COVID-19.
All the studies were of high (n=8) or moderate quality (n=6).

Results and conclusions:   
The investigators found pooled analysis of unadjusted data showed that statin use was not associated with improved clinical outcomes [OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.69 to 1.50, p = 0.94, I2 = 94%, random-effects model].

The investigators found, however, on pooling adjusted risk estimates, the use of statin significantly reduced the risk of adverse outcomes of COVID-19 with 49% [OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.63, p 0.0005, I2 = 0%, fixed-effects model].

The investigators concluded statin use is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Individuals with multiple comorbidities on statin therapy should be encouraged to continue the drug amid the ongoing pandemic.

Original title:
Statin use and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis by Pal R, Banerjee M, […], Bhattacharjee S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7868124/

Additional information of El Mondo:
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