Takeaway
- A meta-analysis found that statin use was associated with an increased risk of self-reported muscle symptoms, liver dysfunction, renal insufficiency and eye conditions.
- However, the increased risk of adverse events (AEs) did not outweigh the reduction in cardiovascular disease events.
Why this matters
- Findings indicate that the benefit-to-harm ratio favours the use of statin for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Study details
- UK researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 62 randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
- Primary outcome: AEs including muscle problems, liver dysfunction, eye conditions, diabetes and renal insufficiency.
- Funding: British Heart Foundation.
Key results
- Overall, included studies comprised 120,456 participants with a mean follow-up of 3.9 years.
- Statin use was associated with an increased risk of:
- self-reported muscle symptoms (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13; I2, 1%);
- liver dysfunction (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.58; I2, 0%);
- renal insufficiency (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28; I2, 0%); and
- eye conditions (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47; I2, 0%).
- However, statin use was not associated with
- clinically confirmed muscle disorders (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.62-1.24; I2, 0%); or
- diabetes (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88-1.16; I2, 50%).
- Statins significantly reduced (P<.001 for all) the risk of
- myocardial infarction (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66-0.78; I2, 33%);
- stroke (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.89; I2, 20%); and
- death from cardiovascular disease (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91; I2, 27%).
Limitations
- Some analyses may be underpowered.
- Results may not be generalisable to the primary prevention population.
This clinical summary originally appeared on Univadis, part of the Medscape Professional Network.