Statin therapy does not improve lung function in asthma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: To assess the efficacy of statins in the treatment of asthma. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that measured the efficacy of statins in the treatment of asthma, and a meta-analysis of the pooled data was performed. Results: Five trials were identified; four met the inclusion criteria (total number of patients 200). Compared with controls, patients in the statin groups had higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) values before inhaled corticosteroids (0.09 l, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.06, 0.23), higher FEV1 values after inhaled corticosteroids (0.06 l, 95% CI -0.09, 0.22), and higher morning peak expiratory flow rates (9.87 l, 95% CI -15.66, 35.40). These results were not statistically significant and, furthermore, publication bias was detected. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is currently insufficient evidence to show that statins improve lung function in patients with asthma.