Effects of Statins and ACE Inhibitors in CAP and Influenza

An analysis of VA data indicates that, at least in men, statin or ACE inhibitor use is associated with decreased mortality from community-acquired pneumonia or influenza.

Statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to produce substantial immunomodulatory effects and to reduce systemic cytokine levels. Whether these widely used medications also affect the outcome of infections is controversial. In a recent study involving older patients with severe respiratory infections, investigators assessed the association between statin or ACE-inhibitor therapy and 30-day mortality.

Using Veterans Affairs (VA) databases, the researchers identified 8652 patients (98.6% male) who met the inclusion criteria (age ≥65; hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia [CAP] or influenza during fiscal year 2000; ≥1 outpatient clinic visit during fiscal year 1999; and ≥1 active and filled prescripti…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Effects of Statins and ACE Inhibitors in CAP and Influenza

Topics

Reviewing Author