Continuing Statins May Improve Early Outcomes in Severe Sepsis

In a double-blind, randomized, phase II study, 28-day mortality among prior statin users was significantly lower with continued atorvastatin therapy than with placebo.

Animal and human studies suggest that statins may attenuate the inflammatory response in sepsis. However, statin toxicity might be greater in the critically ill than in the general population. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial involving 21 intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand between July 2007 and August 2010, researchers assessed the effects of atorvastatin on the outcomes of patients with severe sepsis.

A total of 250 adults with severe sepsis were randomized to receive either 20 mg of atorvastatin or placebo daily, continued until day 14 of the study or until death or discharge from the ICU, whichever occurred first. On admission, 77 (31%) of the patients were already taking statins.

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Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

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)