Future of Statins in Sepsis: A Review on Its Safety and Efficacy

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 clinical pharmacist at El Dora hospital

2 Fellow and Head of Clinical Pharmacy, Critical Care Medicine Department, Cairo University Hospitals

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Statins [Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors] not only lower cholesterol levels but also have been proposed as adjunctive therapy in sepsis due to their pleiotropic effects. They act on several stages in sepsis: the generation of proinflammatory cytokines, modulation of leukocyte and monocyte functions, and reduction of oxidative stress as well as improvement in endothelial function and platelet activity. However, it has been argued if the observed beneficial effect of statins in sepsis is related to preadmission or post-admission use of statins. Also, the positive impact of statins on the clinical outcome of patients with sepsis has shown conflicting results. Accordingly, this review will discuss recent evidence regarding the use of statins in sepsis. Also, adequate use of statins based on the right drug, at the right time, at the right dose and in the right population will be discussed. The information in this review shows that the effect of statins is a drug, not a class effect, with the most effective drug in sepsis being simvastatin. Besides, it highlights the importance of proper timing and dosing of statins to manifest their antibacterial and pleiotropic effects. Finally, the effect of statins in sepsis is restricted to early phases of sepsis or sepsis prevention, not sepsis complicated with organ dysfunction or septic shock. However, more in vivo and clinical trials are required to determine the final decision about statin use in sepsis.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics