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Although observational studies have shown that statins are associated with lower risks for infections and infection-related deaths (JW Infect Dis Feb 14 2007 and JW Gen Med Mar 3 2006), such studies are subject to confounding. To assess this association further, investigators conducted a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials that involved nearly 31,000 participants (mean age, 63).
After a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, statins had no effect on risk for infections (relative risk, 1.00) or infection-related deaths (RR, 0.97).
Comment
This meta-analysis provides no evidence that statins lower risk for infections. However, none of the included trials had predefined infectious outcomes —…