Association Between Use of Statins and Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized With Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Virus Infections: A Multistate Study

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Abstract
(See the editorial commentary by Walsh, on pages 1–3 .) Background. Statins may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that could reduce the risk of mortality from influenza virus infections. Methods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infections Program conducts active surveillance for persons hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza in 59 counties in 10 states. We analyzed data for hospitalized adults during the 2007–2008 influenza season to evaluate the association between receiving statins and influenza-related death. Results. We identified 3043 patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, of whom 1013 (33.3%) received statins and 151 (5.0%) died within 30 days of their influenza test. Patients who received statins were more likely to be older, male, and white; to suffer from cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, and chronic lung disease; and to have been vaccinated against influenza that season. In a multivariable logistic regression model, administration of statins prior to or during hospitalization was associated with a protective odds of death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [95% confidence interval, .38–.92]) when adjusting for age; race; cardiovascular, lung, and renal disease; influenza vaccination; and antiviral administration. Conclusions. Statin use may be associated with reduced mortality in patients hospitalized with influenza.