Interpreting the JUPITER trial: statins can prevent VTE, but more study is needed.

Analysis of a secondary end point of the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) found that a statin reduced the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in apparently healthy people with high levels of C-reactive protein and normal levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (N Engl J Med 2009; 360:1851-1861). Still, pending more study, statins should not be substituted for proven prophylaxis and anticoagulation, especially for patients with recurrent deep venous thrombosis, hospitalized patients, postoperative patients, and other patients prone to VTE.