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Published on: November 10, 2017
Impact of Statin Therapy on Plasma Uric Acid Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Giuseppe Derosa1,2,3, Pamela Maffioli4,5, Željko Reiner6
1Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy. giuseppe.derosa@unipv.it.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect size of statins in modulating plasma uric acid concentrations.
Data Sources:
A search was undertaken of the MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar electronic databases.
Study Selection:
Studies meeting the following criteria were included: (i) randomized controlled trials with either a parallel or crossover design; (ii) investigated the impact of statin therapy on plasma uric acid concentrations; and (iii) presentation of sufficient information on uric acid values at baseline and at the end of follow-up in each group, or presenting the net change.
Data Synthesis:
The present meta-analysis suggested a significant reduction in plasma uric acid levels following statin therapy; however, this does not seem to be a class effect as subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction with atorvastatin and simvastatin only, and not with pravastatin and rosuvastatin.
Conclusions:
Atorvastatin and simvastatin, but not the other statins, can reduce serum uric acid levels.
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