Statins’ safety and impact on the clinical outcomes in COVID-19 critically ill patients: A Multicenter, Cohort Study

Abstract Purpose The complications of Severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are attributed to the overproduction of early response proinflammatory cytokines, causing a systemic hyperinflammatory state. Statins are potentially a potent adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection due to their pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory effects, which are independent of their cholesterol-lowering activity. This study investigates the impact of statin use on the outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on statin use during ICU stay and were matched with a propensity score which was based on patient’s age and admission APACHE II and SOFA scores. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Other outcomes were considered secondary... Results A total of 1049 patients were eligible; 502 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The 30-day (hazard ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98), P = 0.03) and in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.54, 0.89), P = 0.004) were significantly lower in patients who received statin therapy on multivariable cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Moreover, patients who received statin have a lower risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (OR 0.48(95% CI 0.32, 0.69), P = < 0.001), lower levels of markers of inflammation on follow up and no increased risk of liver injury. Conclusion The use of statin during ICU stay in COVID-19 critically ill patients may have a beneficial role and survival benefits with a good safety profile.