Statins and outcome after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation: a prospective study

Abstract

Background: Retrospective studies have shown that the use of statins is associated with reduced mortality and decreased hospitalizations from COPD, but data from prospective studies are lacking.

Methods: We followed-up prospectively 245 patients admitted to hospital for exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD) with monthly evaluations for one year. The role of statins on outcomes was evaluated by Cox regression analysis after proper adjustments for age, gender, BMI, current smoking status, Charlson comorbidity index and COPD stage. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated by Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire.

Results: There was no effect of statins on either 30-day or 1-year mortality. Patients receiving statins presented a lower total number of ECOPD during the 1-year follow up (2.1 ± 2.7 vs. 2.8 ± 3.2 ECOPD/patient respectively, p = 0.037). After proper adjustments, the use of statins was associated with a lower risk for ECOPD [HR: 0.656 (95% CI: 0.454-0.946)] and severe ECOPD [HR: 0.608 (95%CI: 0.381-0.972)]. The group of statins presented better improvement in HRQoL at 2, 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The use of statins in patients hospitalized for ECOPD was associated with a lower risk for subsequent ECOPD and severe ECOPD and improved HRQoL. These data support a possible beneficial role for these agents in COPD.