Statins Reduce the Risk for C Difficile

Statin use is associated with a reduced risk for developing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), according to a recent meta-analysis.

Findings from the analysis were presented on October 17, 2017, at the World Congress of Gastroenterology at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2017.
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CDI is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea among hospitalized patients. Emerging evidence has suggested that statins, or 3-hydroxy-3 methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are associated with improved outcomes in patients with CDI.

For their analysis, the researchers conducted a literature review of 10 observational studies, which included 37,109 patients, identified by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to May 2017. Studies that had reported odds ratios or relative risks comparing the risk for CDI and/or the clinical outcomes of CDI in patients on statins vs those not on statins were included in the analysis.

A random-effect and generic inverse variance method was used to calculate pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results indicated that statin use was associated with a decreased risk for developing CDI, compared with no treatment. However, in those who developed CDI, statin use was not significantly associated with a reduced risk for recurrent CDI or for 30-day mortality.

The researchers noted that data on the severity of CDI among statin users was limited. One study had shown an insignificant association between statin use and decreased CDI severity, compared with no statin use.

“Our study demonstrates a significant association between [statin] use and reduced risk of CDI development,” the researchers concluded. “However, the findings of our study suggest no significant associations between [statin] use and improvement in clinical outcomes of CDI including recurrent CDI or 30-day mortality. These findings may impact clinical management and primary prevention of CDI.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Suchartlikitwong S, Laoveeravat P, Teerakanok J, Mingbunjerdsuk T, Cheungpasitporn W. Statins reduce the risk of Clostridium difficile diarrhea: a meta-analysis. Paper presented at: World Congress of Gastroenterology at ACG2017; October 13-18, 2017; Orlando, FL. https://www.eventscribe.com/2017/wcogacg2017/fsPopup.asp?Mode=posterInfo&PosterID=115505.