Discontinuation of atorvastatin use in hospital is associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID‐19 patients. Issue 3 (14th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrews, Laura; Goldin, Laurel; Shen, Yan; Korwek, Kimberly; Kleja, Kacie; Poland, Russell E.; Guy, Jeffrey; Sands, Kenneth E.; Perlin, Jonathan B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital medicine. Volume 17:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2022-02-14
• Subjects: Hospital care -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-5592

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Statins are a commonly used class of drugs, and reports have suggested that their use may affect COVID‐19 disease severity and mortality risk. Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to determine the effect of discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy in patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 on the risk of mortality and ventilation. Methods: Data from 146, 413 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients were classified according to statin therapy. Home + in hospital atorvastatin use (continuation of therapy); home + no in hospital atorvastatin use (discontinuation of therapy); no home + no in hospital atorvastatin use (no statins). Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between atorvastatin administration and either mortality or use of mechanical ventilation during the encounter. Results: Continuous use of atorvastatin (home and in hospital) was associated with a 35% reduction in the odds of mortality compared to patients who received atorvastatin at home but not in hospital (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–0.72, p < .001). Similarly, the odds of ventilation were lower with continuous atorvastatin therapy (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64–0.77, p < .001). Conclusions: Discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy is associated with worse outcomes for COVID‐19 patients. Providers should consider maintaining existing statin therapy for patients with known or suspected previous use. Abstract :