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Case-control study of statin prevention of mould infections

Jessica N Thompson1, Mark M Huycke, Ronald A Greenfield

  • 1Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.

Mycoses
|May 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated if statin use prevents invasive mould infections (IMI). Despite in vitro evidence, statins did not show a preventive effect against IMI in this case-control study.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive mould infections (IMI) cause significant illness and death.
  • In vitro studies suggest hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit pathogenic moulds like Zygomycetes and Aspergillus.
  • The potential role of statins in preventing IMI requires clinical investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if statin use is a preventive factor for the development of invasive mould infections (IMI).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case-control study across 10 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VISN 16) from 2001-2008.
  • Cases with IMI were matched with controls based on age, facility, transplantation history, chronic steroid use, and HIV infection.
  • Included 238 patients; analyzed independent variables associated with IMI development.

Main Results:

  • History of solid malignant tumours (OR 2.63) and hypertension (OR 2.29) were independently associated with IMI development.
  • Statin use within 3 months of the index date was not an independent variable for IMI prevention or development.
  • No observed influence of statin exposure levels on IMI development.

Conclusions:

  • Despite in vitro antifungal activity, statins may not reduce the risk of invasive mould infections in clinical settings.
  • Further prospective, controlled trials are needed to clarify the potential clinical benefit of statins against IMI.

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