Statins could save sepsis patients life-new hope discovered!

Statins could save sepsis patients life-new hope discovered!

In a fascinating new light, the popular cholesterol, known as statins, are based on current findings on the treatment of sepsis. A comprehensive analysis of patients treated in intensive care units in the United States suggests that statin -treated patients may have better survival in this potentially fatal illness. These promising results were published in the specialist magazine Frontiers in Immunology and could show new ways in sepsis treatment. [Ärzteblatt] reports that about 44 % of the patients treated at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston due to sepsis.

But what exactly is sepsis? It is the overreaction of the body to infections that can lead to serious organ damage. A septic shock that is often the result of this reaction can be life -threatening even with intensive medical treatment. Despite the antibiotics administered, many sepsis patients die, which underlines the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches [Deutschlandfunk].

scientific insights in sepsis and statins

The new research show that the anti-inflammatory properties of the statins may be the key to their positive effects on sepsis patients. The current study found that patients with severe sepsis had a significantly improved risk of survival if they received statins in addition to standard treatment. The examination included a back analysis of around 20,000 intensive care patients and thus gives valuable insights into the often fatal consequences of sepsis, which is considered one of the most common causes of death worldwide. According to the WHO, an estimated twice as many people in the hospital die of sepsis as in stroke and heart attacks [Deutschlandfunk].

Statins, which inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase and thus reduce cholesterol levels, have proven to be effective in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes in the past. However, the discussion about its possible role in sepsis treatment is still underway [NLM]. There are various indications of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of statins that are now to be further researched. A specific analysis of Atorvastatin even showed that it could significantly reduce 28-day mortality in the event of severe sepsis, while other statins such as rosuvastatin showed potentially harmful effects.

continued challenges and outlook

The data show a clear association between the use of statins and reduced mortality in sepsis. A statistical model confirmed that mortality in hospitals could be reduced by 29 % if patients earn statins. However, despite these encouraging results, research has not yet been completed: the scientists emphasize the need for further studies to find out the exact mechanisms and the full potential of these drugs in sepsis.

at a time when sepsis continues to be an enormous health challenge, the possibility that statins make the difference between life and death appear as a glimmer of hope. Even if the debate about the effectiveness of the statins in sepsis treatment is still running, this new knowledge could open up new perspectives in therapy.