Cholesterol-lowering statins reduce severe asthma attacks and hospitalisations

In the first and largest investigation of statin effects on clinical outcomes of people suffering from asthma, researchers found that among adult patients taking cholesterol-lowering statins in addition to common asthma treatments, show dramatic reductions in hospitalisations.

Results of a new study presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) show a reduction in asthma-related hospitalisation or emergency room visit by 33 per cent for patients on inhaled corticosteroids and also taking statins.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease caused by inflammation and swelling of the airways and constriction of the muscles of the bronchial passages. Currently, the recommended drug therapies for treating asthma include the long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation and mucus production.

Statins are medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, but also have known anti-inflammatory properties that may play a role in protecting patients against cardiovascular disease.

These same anti-inflammatory effects have also been a subject of interest in the treatment of asthma although statins are currently not approved for use as an asthma medication.

As many as 20 to 30 per cent of adults with asthma are estimated to also have conditions, such as established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus, for which statin therapy may be indicated.