Promising Effects of Atorvastatin on Outcomes of Patients with Severe
COVID-19, A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Purpose: Considering the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin and
the role of medical comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary
artery disease on prognosis of the COVID-19 patients, we aimed to assess
the effect of atorvastatin add-on therapy on mortality due to COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including patients
who were hospitalized with confirmed diagnosis of severe COVID-19.
Baseline characteristics and related clinical data of patients were
recorded. Clinical outcomes consist of in hospital mortality, need for
invasive mechanical ventilation and hospital length of stay. COX
regression analysis models were used to assess the association of
independent factors to outcomes. Results: Atorvastatin was administered
for 421 out of 991 patients. The mean age was 61.640±17.003 years. Older
age, higher prevalence of hypertension and coronary artery disease
reported in patients who received atorvastatin. These patients had
shorter hospital length of stay (P=0.001). Based on COX proportional
hazard model, in hospital use of atorvastatin was associated to decrease
in mortality (HR=0.679, P=0.005) and lower need for invasive mechanical
ventilation (HR=0.602, P=0.014). Conclusions: Atorvastatin add-on
therapy in patient with severe COVID-19 was associated with lower in
hospital mortality and reduced the risk of need for invasive mechanical
ventilation which support to continue the prescription of the
medication.