Statin therapy prior to hospitalization does not significantly influence sepsis presentation or sepsis outcomes. A prospective, observational study

Abstract

Background: In addition to being effective at lowering cholesterol, statins seem to have immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticoagulant effects.

Objective: To determine whether the presentation of sepsis and its outcome in patients who have had prehospital statin therapy are different.

Methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out on 1042 septic patients, for 5 consecutive years in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital.

Results: 317 (30.4%) septic patients were receiving statins prior to hospitalization. Patients on statin therapy were older (69.7 years old vs 62.5; p <.001), males (71.9% vs 65.7%; p=.047) and with a higher mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (21.7 vs 20.1; p<.001). Renal dysfunction was observed in a greater proportion (60.3% vs 51.5%; p=.009) in statin users but without requiring more continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT). No differences were observed in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, procalcitonin levels, source of infection, microorganism and nosocomial infections in ICU and hospital mortality or length of stay.

Conclusions: Statin therapy prior to hospitalization does not significantly influence sepsis presentation or sepsis outcomes.

Keywords: Efectos pleiotrópicos; Estatinas; Pleiotropic effects; Sepsis; Statins.