Statin Use Is Associated with Lower Risk for Pancreatitis

Some older case reports and uncontrolled studies suggested an excess risk for pancreatitis among statin users, but a recent controlled trial (SHARP) suggested attenuated risk. Statins might prevent gallstones by lowering bile cholesterol content, whereas fibrates raise risk for gallstones and possibly gallstone pancreatitis.

Researchers performed a meta-analysis of 21 controlled studies that involved statins; in 19 studies, unpublished data on pancreatitis risk was obtained from the original authors. About 153,000 participants were followed for an average of 4 years. Mean baseline triglyceride levels varied from 118 to 187 mg/dL. An additional seven studies (40,162 patients with similar follow-up and baseline triglyceride levels) were pooled…