Do cholesterol-lowering drugs reduce mortality from COVID-19?

The research into the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, on mortality from COVID-19 is still ongoing. There are indications that statins may have a positive effect on the outcomes of COVID-19, but the results are not definitive and further research is needed.

Statins have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the inflammatory response often seen in severe COVID-19 cases. This may help reduce damage to the lungs and other organs. Statins may improve the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), which may be important in COVID-19 given the virus’s association with vascular inflammation and thrombosis.

Several observational studies have suggested that statin use may be associated with a reduced risk of serious complications and death from COVID-19. For example, a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that statin use was associated with lower mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. While observational studies are promising, randomized clinical trials are needed to establish a causal relationship.

Although there is some evidence that cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins can reduce mortality from COVID-19, the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw definitive conclusions. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the role of statins in treating COVID-19.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7311917/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-03 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024