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Meta-Analysis
. 2011 Dec 7;2011(12):CD008386.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008386.pub3.

Statins for multiple sclerosis

Jin Wang  1 , Yousheng Xiao, Man Luo, Hongye Luo
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Statins for multiple sclerosis

Jin Wang et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the human central nervous system. Statins, prescribed as cholesterol lowering agents, have shown possible effects for treating MS in experimental and preliminary clinical studies.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of statins administered alone or as add-on to approved treatments for MS.

Search methods: The Trials Search Coordinator searched the Cochrane MS Group Trials Register (1 August 2011). We searched the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (1979 to 1 August 2011), trials registers and conference proceedings. Pharmaceutical companies and authors of included studies were contacted for additional information.There were no language restrictions.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing statins with placebo, or comparing statins in combination with approved treatments alone for patients with MS.

Data collection and analysis: Three review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

Main results: Four trials involving 458 participants were included. All trials compared statins (two evaluating atorvastatin and two simvastatin) plus interferon beta-1a with interferon beta-1a alone for treating MS. The methodological quality was good for three studies and poor for remaining one. None of them showed statistically significant difference between both treatment groups in reducing relapses, preventing disease progression or developing new T2 or gadolinium-enhanced lesions on MRI after 9, 12, 24 months follow up period. Statins resulted to be safe and well tolerated, no serious adverse effects were reported. Changes on quality of life after receiving statins were not reported in the trials.

Authors' conclusions: There is no convincing evidence to support the use of either atorvastatin or simvastatin as an adjunctive therapy in MS.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

None known

Figures

1
1
Study flow diagram for selection.
2
2
Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
3
3
Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 1 Number of participants with relapses at 9 months.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 2 Number of participants with relapses at 12 months.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 3 Number of participants with relapses at 24 months.
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 4 Number of participants with relapses at the end of follow up (range from 12 to 36 months).
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 5 Number of participants with relapses.
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 6 Number of participants with relapses of different doses of atorvastatin.
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 7 Number of participants with progression (atorvastatin).
1.8
1.8. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 8 Number of participants with progression (simvastatin).
1.9
1.9. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 9 Number of participants with progression.
1.10
1.10. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 10 Number of participants with new T2 or GELs at 9 months.
1.11
1.11. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 11 Number of participants with new T2 or GELs at 12 months.
1.12
1.12. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 12 Number of participants with new T2 or GELs.
1.13
1.13. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 13 Number of participants with new T2 or GELs of different doses of atorvastatin.
1.14
1.14. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 14 Changes of EDSS at 12 months.
1.15
1.15. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 15 Changes of EDSS at 24 months.
1.16
1.16. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 16 Changes of EDSS.
1.17
1.17. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 17 Adverse events (Fatigue).
1.18
1.18. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 18 Adverse events (Muscle pain).
1.19
1.19. Analysis
Comparison 1 Statins plus beta interferon versus beta interferon, Outcome 19 Adverse events (Headache).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

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NCT00942591 {published data only}
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References to ongoing studies

NCT00242268 {published data only}
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