The role of statins in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: is cardiovascular disease the common denominator?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects of statins that have proven to improve outcomes in cardiovascular disease have also been of interest in the treatment of COPD, a disease with considerable morbidity and little available treatment that improves mortality. In-vitro and animal studies have supported biologic plausibility of statin therapy for lung health and function. Retrospective observational studies in humans have echoed this potential as well but confirmatory data from randomized studies are limited and somewhat disappointing.

RECENT FINDINGS: Despite discouraging clinical trial results, the possibility remains that statins can help patients with COPD characterized by systemic inflammation. At the same time, increasing recognition of the considerable cardiovascular disease burden and its suboptimal treatment in patients with COPD has also contributed to continued enthusiasm for statin use in COPD.

SUMMARY: When it comes to defining the role for statins as a disease-modifying therapy, the jury is still out; however, the importance of more careful cardiovascular risk stratification that includes assessing levels of inflammatory markers in patients with COPD and the benefit of statins in those with increased risk is gaining increasing recognition.