Does statin use attenuate lung function decline?
(excerpt – Nayer Khazeni) In their article, Dr. Alexeeff and colleagues report an attenuated decline in lung function attributable to statin use in elderly men. The authors speculate that statins’ antiinflammatory properties may protect the lung. In this observational analysis, subjects were categorically divided into “statin users” and “not using statins” based on subject self-reports collected by questionnaire. No other data about statin use, such as dose and duration of exposure, are presented. Other investigators have reported the antiinflammatory effects of statins to be dose dependent. The hypothesis that statin use reduces age-related decline in lung function would be strengthened if a biological gradient between exposure and response or a threshold effect were demonstrated. The authors should report any information about statin type, dose, and duration of use and their potential relationships with lung function change. The statistical results of the study warrant clarification:
