The effects of statin therapy on mortality in patients with sepsis: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

Much controversy persists regarding the role of statins therapy in patients with sepsis. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of statin therapy on mortality from sepsis.

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane controlled trials register for relevant clinical studies. Randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of statin therapy on mortality in septic patients were included. Pooled risk estimates were calculated with a fixed-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by Cochran chi-square test and the I statistic.

Nine trials with a total of 2333 patients were included. Seven randomized trials were eligible for the in-hospital mortality analysis. There were 257 deaths among 1078 individuals in the statin treatment group and 268 deaths among 1081 individuals in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.83-1.11). Five randomized trials reported data on 28 day-hospital mortality. There were 123 deaths among 613 individuals in the statin treatment group and 141 deaths among 633 individuals in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.73-1.11).

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials indicates that statin therapy has no effect on mortality outcomes in patients with sepsis compared with placebo.