Statins and venous thromboembolism: a novel effect of statins?

ABSTRACT

Statins play a key role in the management of hypercholesterolemia and other dyslipidemias. However, statins exert several other actions, often referred to as ‘pleiotropic’. This Editorial looks at the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin), examining, in particular, the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in the rosuvastatin and placebo groups, and discussing these findings in the context of the current literature. The authors conclude that statin use could perhaps be associated with reductions in the risk of venous thromboembolism, and call for further appropriately designed studies.

Keywords: :

• Rosuvastatin
• Statin
• Venous thromboembolism

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This Editorial was written independently. No company or institution supported it financially.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

D.P.M. has disclosed that he has received honoraria for attending international meetings on behalf of Merck Sharpe and Dohme and AstraZeneca, and that he is on the Speaker's Bureau for Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Solvay and AstraZeneca. K.I.P., N.B. and T.P.P. have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships.

All peer reviewers receive honoraria from CMRO for their review work. Peer Reviewer 1 has disclosed that he/she is a consultant for Sanofi-Aventis and Pfizer, and that he/she is on the Speaker's Bureau for Sanofi-Aventis. Peer Reviewer 2 has disclosed that he/she has no relevant financial relationships.

Acknowledgement

Following formal submission to CMRO, the contents of this article were shared with AstraZeneca. The authors are grateful for the feedback received, but declare that they were under no obligation to amend the article. AstraZeneca were in no way involved with the concept, drafting, editing or preparation of this article, and the authors retain full responsibility.