Promising effects of atorvastatin on mortality and need for mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID‐19; a retrospective cohort study

Haji Aghajani, Mohammad; Moradi, Omid; Azhdari Tehrani, Hamed; Amini, Hossein; Pourheidar, Elham; Hatami, Firouze; Rabiei, Mohammad Mahdi; Sistanizad, Mohammad

PURPOSE: Considering the anti‐inflammatory effect of atorvastatin and the role of medical comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary artery disease on the prognosis of the COVID‐19 patients, we aimed to assess the effect of atorvastatin add‐on therapy on mortality caused by COVID‐19. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including patients who were hospitalised 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 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 have shorter hospital length of stay (P = .001). Based on COX proportional hazard model, in‐hospital use of atorvastatin was associated with decrease in mortality (HR = 0.679, P = .005) and lower need for invasive mechanical ventilation (HR = 0.602, P = .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 supports to continue the prescription of the medication.