Effect of Statin Therapy in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of daily used statins on inflammatory markers (CRP, IL6, neutrophil count), antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase), Nitric oxide,pulmonary function tests ,arterial blood gases,frequency of hospitalization for AECOPD and number of intensive care unit ICU admissions in COPD patients. Method(s): One hundred COPD patients were included. The patients were allocated into two groups: 1-Group 1: Fifty COPD patients who had statins in their treatment, atorvastatin, in a dose of 20mg once daily orally for one year. 2-Group 2: Fifty COPD patients who are not receiving statins as control group. PFTs, ABG, CRP, IL6, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Nitric oxide, Lipid profile, CBC& liver & kidney function tests were performed in all patients before, 6 months & one year after initiation of therapy. Result(s): 100 COPD patients (84% male) with mean age 62.1+/-1 (ranged 40-90 years) were included. Pulmonary function & PaO2 significantly increased & PaCO2 decreased in statin users compared with non statin users (0.001, 0.004 & 0,02). CRP was significantly higher in statin users compared to non statin users (0.001) at baseline, but after statin therapy there is highly significant decrease in serum CRP & IL6. Plasma levels of catalase, SOD & NO were significantly higher in statin non users than statin users (0.001) (at baseline) but after 12 ms of statin therapy there is highly significant increase in plasma levels of SOD, catalase & NO (0.001). There is highly significant decrease in neutrophil count after 6 & 12 ms of statin therapy (0.002 & 0.001).Also after 12 msof therapy there is significant decrease in ICU admission (0.03) and highly significant decrease in hospital admission (0.001). No mortality in statin users but 4% mortality in non users. Conclusion(s): Treatment with statins may reduced lung function decline, hospital & ICU admission,also ed inflammatory markers ed NO, antioxidant enzymes in COPD patients. Clinical Implications: Statins may be used adjavent therapy in COPD patients as a result of its antiinflammatory effect.