COVID-19 Vaccination Protects Skeletal Muscle Against Statin-Related Side Effects

Introduction: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has disrupted global health systems, with vaccines being essential to mitigating its impact. Statins, widely prescribed for dyslipidemia, are associated with muscle-related side effects, which may worsen during COVID-19. This study explores the association between statin use, COVID-19 vaccination, and skeletal muscle-related symptoms. Aims: To evaluate the association between statin use and muscle symptoms (pain and creatine kinase (CK) levels) in COVID-19 patients and investigate whether vaccination is associated with changes in these symptoms. Methods: This observational study included 147 symptomatic COVID-19 patients: 74 chronic statin users (SG) and 73 non-users (CG). Vaccination status (unvaccinated, one-dose, or two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech) was recorded. Muscle pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and CK levels were measured. Additional factors, including age, sex, BMI, and smoking status, were analyzed. Statistical tests examined the potential associations between statin use, vaccination, and muscle-related outcomes. Results: Higher CK levels were more frequently reported in SG, with severe rhabdomyolysis occurring slightly more often in the SG (4% vs. 3%). Men had higher CK values, while women appeared to be at greater risk of severe rhabdomyolysis. Older adults (≥65 years) in the SG had significantly higher CK levels. Fully vaccinated individuals had lower CK values and reported less muscle pain, while unvaccinated participants had the highest incidence of CK abnormalities and severe muscle pain. No significant differences in CK levels were observed between SARS-CoV-2 variants. Conclusions: Statin use was associated with elevated CK levels and increased muscle pain severity. Older adults and women appeared more susceptible to severe muscle complications. Full vaccination was linked to lower CK values and reduced muscle symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.