Discontinuation of atorvastatin use in hospital is associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients

Background: Statins are a commonly used class of drugs, and reports have suggested that their use may affect COVID-19 disease severity and mortality risk. Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to determine the effect of discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 on the risk of mortality and ventilation. Methods: Data from 146,413 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were classified according to statin therapy. Home + in hospital atorvastatin use (continuation of therapy); home + no in hospital atorvastatin use (discontinuation of therapy); no home + no in hospital atorvastatin use (no statins). Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between atorvastatin administration and either mortality or use of mechanical ventilation during the encounter. Results: Continuous use of atorvastatin (home and in hospital) was associated with a 35% reduction in the odds of mortality compared to patients who received atorvastatin at home but not in hospital (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.72, p < .001). Similarly, the odds of ventilation were lower with continuous atorvastatin therapy (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64-0.77, p < .001). Conclusions: Discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy is associated with worse outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Providers should consider maintaining existing statin therapy for patients with known or suspected previous use.

Automated summary

Discontinuation of previous atorvastatin therapy is associated with worse outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Continuous use of atorvastatin reduces the odds of mortality and ventilation.