Is statin use associated with reduced mortality after pneumonia? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of statins on mortality following pneumonia.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, BIOSIS, and Scopus. Studies were included if they involved: participants ≥18 years of age; patients with community-acquired pneumonia; current statin users; and reported overall or adjusted mortality after pneumonia.

RESULTS

Of 491 citations identified, 13 studies involving 254,950 patients met eligibility criteria. Pooled unadjusted data showed that statin use was associated with lower mortality after pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.71). Pooling of adjusted data also showed reduced mortality after pneumonia (OR 0.66, 95% CI, 0.55-0.79). However, this effect was attenuated in subgroup analysis by confounders and in prospective studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although statin use is associated with decreased mortality after pneumonia, this effect weakens in important subgroups. Only a randomized controlled study can fully explore the link between statins and pneumonia mortality.