Statins in HIV-Infected Patients: Effects Beyond Cardiovascular Disease?

Data from a small randomized trial suggest that rosuvastatin may improve bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy.

The use of statins is associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease, related at least in part to their effects on inflammation and immune activation. Studies involving older adults without HIV infection have suggested favorable effects on bone-mineral density (BMD) and body composition. In a recent placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted in Cleveland (SATURN-HIV), researchers investigated whether these effects might extend to HIV-infected individuals.

A total of 147 HIV-infected adults (mean age, 47) on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) were randomized to receive rosuvastatin or placebo. In a planned 48-week interim analysis, rosuvastatin-group participants showed modest but significant relative gains in BMD in…

Reviewing Author

Charles B. Hicks, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardGilead Sciences; ViiV; Merck

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc.

Grant / Research supportNIH; Department of Health and Human Services

Charles B. Hicks, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardGilead Sciences; ViiV; Merck

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc.

Grant / Research supportNIH; Department of Health and Human Services

Statins in HIV-Infected Patients: Effects Beyond Cardiovascular Disease?

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Reviewing Author