Simvastatin Therapy for Moderate and Severe COPD

To determine the effect of daily administration of 40 mgms simvastatin taken for at least 12 months (range 12-36 months) on the frequency of exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) in patients with moderate to severe COPD who are prone to exacerbations and do not have other indications for statin treatment.

COPD exacerbation is a common complication that significantly contributes to the high morbidity, mortality and costs associated with COPD. COPD exacerbations are associated with heightened lung inflammation that may have systemic implications (e.g., peripheral muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, depression, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and atherosclerosis). Statins are potent agents that significantly reduce vascular events in patients with increased risks due to prior cardiac or cerebral vascular events and elevated lipid profiles. Statins have pleiotropic effects that extend well beyond their lipid lowering effects and may be potent anti-inflammatory agents. Retrospective data conducted in COPD patients indicate that statin use is associated with markedly decreased rates of COPD hospitalization and stabilization of lung function. Decreases in mortality in COPD due to complications of flu-like illnesses and deaths due to cardiovascular events have also been reported. Inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and interleukin- 6) are reported to be elevated in moderate to severe COPD patients who are prone to exacerbations. Inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and interleukin- 6) are reported to be reduced by statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Treatments that can effectively lessen the prevalence and severity of COPD exacerbations are desperately needed