Impact of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on mortality of subjects hospitalised with pneumonia

Eur Respir J. 2008 Mar;31(3):611-7. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00162006. Epub 2007 Oct 24.

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may have beneficial effects for some types of infections. The present study aimed to examine the association of outpatient use of these medications on 30-day mortality for subjects aged >65 yrs and hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. A retrospective national cohort study was conducted using the Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data including subjects aged >/=65 yrs hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia, and having >/=1 yr of prior Veterans Affairs outpatient care. In total, 8,652 subjects were identified with a mean age of 75 yrs, 98.6% were male, and 9.9% of subjects died within 30 days of presentation. In this cohort, 18.1% of subjects were using statins and 33.9% were using ACE inhibitors. After adjusting for potential confounders, current statin use (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.70) and ACE inhibitor use (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.89) were significantly associated with decreased 30-day mortality. Use of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prior to admission is associated with decreased mortality in subjects hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. Randomised controlled trials are needed to examine whether the use of these medications in patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia may be beneficial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Community-Acquired Infections / mortality
  • Female
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Hospitals, Veterans / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pneumonia / complications
  • Pneumonia / mortality*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors