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.