Effectiveness and hepatotoxicity of statins in men seropositive for hepatitis C virus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and hepatotoxicity of statins in patients who are seropositive for hepatitis C virus (HCV).


METHODS
Retrospective review of a registry of patients with HCV.


METHODS
Veterans Affairs Medical Center.


METHODS
One hundred forty-six male patients who were seropositive for HCV and had received statin therapy between January 1, 1995, and September 9, 2003.


RESULTS
Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient; lipid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at baseline (within 6 mo of starting a statin), at 3 and 6 months after starting a statin, and at long-term follow-up (mean 22 mo) were also recorded. The primary efficacy end point was a significant decrease from baseline to long-term follow-up low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level; the primary safety end point was a significant increase from baseline in ALT level. The mean change in LDL level was a reduction of 22% (p<0.01). No significant increases in ALT levels were observed; only one patient discontinued therapy due to ALT level elevations greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal.


CONCLUSIONS
In men seropositive for HCV, statins were effective in reducing LDL levels and did not result in significant increases in ALT levels from baseline. Thus, statin therapy should be considered for patients with HCV who are at risk for coronary heart disease and do not have significantly elevated serum transaminase levels at baseline.
Segarra-Newnham
Marisel
M
Pharmacy Department, Patient Support Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida 33410-6400, USA. marisel.segarra-newnham@med.va.gov
Parra
David
D
Martin-Cooper
Ellen M
EM
D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000410:Alanine Transaminase