Statins may reduce risk of severe liver disease among patients with chronic liver diseases

Sweden: A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has found that the use of statins, a commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication, may be associated with a reduced risk of severe liver disease in individuals with non-cirrhotic chronic liver diseases (CLD).

The purpose of the study was to assess the possible impact of statins on the development of non-cirrhotic chronic liver disorders (CLD) to severe liver disease.

The study analyzed data from a nationwide Swedish cohort of 3,862 non-cirrhotic individuals with CLD who were prescribed statins for at least 30 cumulative defined daily doses. These individuals were matched to 3,862 non-users of statins with CLD.

The primary outcome was the development of severe liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplantation/liver-related mortality.

The study revealed the following clinical takeaways:

1. During follow-up, 6.1% of statin users vs. 7.1% of non-users developed severe liver disease.

2. Statin use was associated with a 40% lower risk of developing severe liver disease.

3. Statistically significant lower rates of severe liver disease were seen in ALD and NAFLD but not in viral hepatitis or AIH.

4. Statin use had a protective association in both pre-fibrosis and fibrosis stages at diagnosis.

5. Statin use was associated with lower rates of progression to cirrhosis, HCC, and liver-related mortality.

The study suggests that statins may have a potential disease-modifying role in individuals with non-cirrhotic CLD. The study’s findings may have implications for the management of individuals with non-cirrhotic CLD, particularly those with alcohol-related liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The researchers added that “Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the underlying mechanisms of the protective effect of statins on liver disease progression. it is important to note that statins may not be suitable for all individuals with liver disease and that the potential benefits and risks of statin therapy should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis.”

Reference:

Sharma R, et al "Statins are associated with a decreased risk of severe liver disease in individuals with non-cirrhotic chronic liver disease" Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.017.