Short-term efficacy of moderate-intensity rosuvastatin in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: A randomized clinical

Katayoun Rafsanjani1, Amirhossein Ghaseminejad-Raeini2, Alireza Azarboo2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Insights

This study investigated rosuvastatin as a COVID-19 therapy. While it reduced C-reactive protein and improved symptoms, it did not significantly alter major clinical outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates exploring adjunct therapies to reduce disease severity.
  • Statins, including rosuvastatin, possess pleiotropic effects and are being investigated for managing COVID-19 complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the short-term efficacy of rosuvastatin as an adjunct therapy in patients with COVID-19.
  • To assess the impact of rosuvastatin on inflammatory markers, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 COVID-19 patients randomized 1:1 to rosuvastatin or control.
  • Outcomes measured included vital signs, laboratory data (C-reactive protein), clinical endpoints (hospital stay, ICU admission, mortality), and symptom scales.

Main Results:

  • Rosuvastatin group showed significantly lower C-reactive protein levels on days 1 and 5 compared to controls.
  • No significant differences were observed in hospital length of stay, ICU admission, intubation rates, or 1-month mortality between groups.
  • Patients receiving rosuvastatin reported significant improvements in perceived exertion and cough symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate-intensity rosuvastatin may offer short-term benefits in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms for COVID-19 patients.
  • Further research is needed to determine long-term effects and optimal statin dosing for COVID-19 management.