Statins Aren't the Answer for Patients with COPD or ARDS

In randomized trials, statins weren't useful for either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In observational studies, statin therapy has been associated with better outcomes in patients with various diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Researchers conducted two randomized, placebo-controlled trials to test the potential benefit of statin therapy for these disorders more rigorously.

In a study of 885 patients with COPD, treatment with simvastatin did not decrease the frequency of exacerbations, increase time to first exacerbation, or improve lung function or quality of life. A study of patients with ARDS was stopped early for futility after 745 patients were enrolled; treatment with rosuvastatin (Crestor) had no effect on in-hospital mortality, time to liber…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Statins Aren't the Answer for Patients with COPD or ARDS

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Reviewing Author