Statin Use and Delirium Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Findings on the association of statin use with delirium risk are inconsistent.

Is statin use associated with delirium risk?

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the EMBASE database, limiting the search to human patients and articles in English published until December 31, 2021. The effect size and 95% confidence interval (CI) were defined as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI, respectively, to indicate the difference in the incidence of delirium between statin use and nonuse groups. A random-effects model was selected in the case of high heterogeneity of study populations. We used funnel plots, Egger test, Duval and Tweedie trim-and-fill approach, and the classic fail-safe N to assess publication bias.

Of a total of 264 identified studies, 13 were selected for the qualitative review-4 RCTs and 9 observational cohort studies. Statin use was not associated with low delirium risk (pooled OR, 0·82; 95% CI, 0·64-1·04; P = 0·09). Substantial statistical heterogeneity was observed ( I2 , 90%). Visual inspection of the funnel plot of ORs from the studies revealed symmetry. Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, we assigned the evidence a rating of C and a weak recommendation for this review.

Statin use is not associated with delirium risk. More comprehensive RCTs are required to confirm the results.