Statins and the Risk for Death from Pneumonia

Two retrospective studies suggested that risk was reduced in statin users, but a large, controlled trial is needed to confirm this effect.

Several studies have suggested that use of statins may improve pneumonia outcomes, presumably by mitigating inflammation (JW Infect Dis Nov 19 2008). In two recent retrospective studies, researchers examined the effect of these medications on mortality from pneumonia.

Chopra and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of 13 studies that included pneumonia outcomes and statin use. In the 10 studies that reported raw mortality after pneumonia (total, 171,989 patients), current statin use was associated with a significant, 38% reduction in deaths. In the 11 studies with adjusted analyses (total, 248,920 patients), statin use remained significantly associated with decreased risk for death after pneumonia. However, no significant effect was seen in …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Statins and the Risk for Death from Pneumonia

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Reviewing Author