Statins and pleiotropic effects in COVID-19: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: The infection caused by SARS-COV-2 represents a major emergency in public health worldwide, morbid adults have an increased risk of severe infection and mortality. Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases have been managed with statins based on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even antiviral effects. Objective: Explore the available medical literature until May 22nd, 2021, regarding the efficiency and safety of statins in the management of COVID-19. Materials and methods: Scoping review including Pubmed and SCOPUS, retrieving publications with empirical data (observational and experimental trials) in English and Spanish. Also, it was searched in the 17 primary registers from the WHO Register Net. Results: There were included documents (n=12) and clinical trial registers (n=10). Retrospective cohort studies (n=11) and in silico (n=1). Most of the articles were from the United States. 60% of the clinical trials registers are recruiting, and those evaluate a total population of 14.204 patients. Conclusion: The evidence shown in this scoping review suggests statins, based on its pleiotropic effects, might have a benefit in the management of COVID-19. However, the available data is not enough for encouraging their use as standard management, as be needed to know the result of the current randomized clinical trials.