A new meta-analysis has found that although statin use is associated with decreased mortality after pneumonia, this effect is weaker in certain subgroups. Statins may have positive effects on inflammation, which is the hallmark feature of pneumonia.
Key Point: This new meta-analysis found that statin use is associated with decreased mortality after pneumonia. The statin-pneumonia mortality link is weaker when specific factors such as pneumonia severity and vaccinations are taken into account. Randomized controlled clinical studies are needed to fully explore the link between statins and pneumonia mortality.
Statins are the first line of treatment for lowering lipid levels and their use is increasing in India as the prevalence of cardiovascular disease increases. The World Health Organization has estimated that by 2020, 60% of the world’s cardiovascular cases will occur in India.
In the recent meta-analysis, researchers pooled 13 studies that included 254,950 patients who met the eligibility criteria of being at least 18 years old, diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and current statin users. They reported overall or adjusted mortality after pneumonia.
The study found that statin users were one-third less likely than nonusers to die of pneumonia. Pooled unadjusted data showed that statin use was associated...
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Statin use may have a protective effect against pneumonia mortality
Statins are the first line of treatment for lowering lipid levels and their use is increasing in India as the prevalence of cardiovascular disease increases. The World Health Organization has estimated that by 2020, 60% of the world’s cardiovascular cases will occur in India.
In the recent meta-analysis, researchers pooled 13 studies that included 254,950 patients who met the eligibility criteria of being at least 18 years old, diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and current statin users. They reported overall or adjusted mortality after pneumonia.
The study found that statin users were one-third less likely than nonusers to die of pneumonia. Pooled unadjusted data showed that statin use was associated...