Statins and pancreatitis: a systematic review of observational studies and spontaneous case reports

Lipid-core nanocapsules containing simvastatin do not affect the biochemical and hematological indicators of toxicity in rats

Our research group previously studied the effectiveness of lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing simvastatin (SV-LNC) in treating cognitive impairment in rats. While our results were promising, we needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of the nanoparticles themselves. This study aimed to compare the biochemical and hematological parameters of adult Wistar rats receiving LNC or SV-LNC to those receiving low doses of simvastatin crystals dispersed in a saline solution over 45 days. We discovered that LNC and SV-LNC, which are both nanometers in size with low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential, and high SV encapsulation efficacy, were not more toxic than SV crystals based on various biochemical markers of hepatic, pancreatic, renal, mineral, bony, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and uric acid damage. Furthermore, LNC exhibited no toxicity for hematological parameters, including red and white blood cell counts. Based on this animal model of toxicological study, our findings suggest that long-term administration of LNC is a safe and promising nanocarrier.

Statin Therapy and Pancreatitis: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Analysis

INTRODUCTION

 Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition that has numerous etiologies and often requires hospital admission due to its high mortality rates. Statins are used worldwide to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some studies have shown an association between long-term statin use and acute pancreatitis. However, other studies have shown no effect or even postulated a mild protective effect. Due to conflicting information in the medical literature, the relationship between statins and acute pancreatitis remains unclear. The current study uses the TriNetX global research database to further investigate the impact of statin use on the development of acute pancreatitis over a five-year period.

METHODS

 Two cohorts were created using the TriNetX global research database. One group consisted of patients not taking statins, while the other group included patients taking any statins. Patients in both groups were required to be between the ages of 40 and 75 and had normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (≤200 mg/dl) and triglyceride (≤150 mg/dl) levels. Patients were matched for age, gender, race, and comorbidities. The statin group was then compared to the no-statin group and measured for the outcome of the incidence of acute pancreatitis and the frequency of episodes within the first five years of statin use. Patients who experienced any acute pancreatitis episode before starting statin therapy or before meeting inclusion criteria were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

 Patients on statin therapy were significantly more likely to develop acute pancreatitis compared to patients not taking statin therapy (risk ratio 1.332, 95% CI: 1.242-1.429, P<0.0001). However, the statin group had a lower mean number of pancreatitis episodes than the no-statin group (4.6 vs. 5.3, P=0.043).

CONCLUSION

 The results from this large global dataset support the previously established idea that prolonged use of statins is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. Clinicians should strongly consider statin-induced pancreatitis when other common etiologies have been ruled out.

Statins exposure and acute pancreatitis: a retrospective cohort study using a large national insurance database

OBJECTIVES

The association between the use of statins and the incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) has yielded inconsistent findings. While statins have been implicated as an aetiology for drug-induced pancreatitis, more recent studies have found statin use is associated with a reduced risk of pancreatitis. We sought to examine the association between the use of any statin medications and the risk of AP using large real-world data.

DESIGN

All data were collected retrospectively, but individuals were prospectively followed forward in time to determine the outcome of interest using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes indicating a diagnosis of AP. A stratified Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to examine the association of statins use with AP.

SETTINGS

Merative MarketScan claims database 2017-2020.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals who filled any statin prescriptions with at least 80% proportion of days covered between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 and were continuously enrolled in the database from 2016 to 2020. We also identified non-users of statins and constructed multiple strata of individuals based on the 14 confounders of interest.

RESULTS

Among 1 695 914 individuals, 226 314 had filled their statins prescription during the study period. Unadjusted incidence rates of AP generally showed higher rates among statins users. The unadjusted incidence rate and 95% CI per 1000 person-years of follow-up was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.66) for non-statin users, versus 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86 to 0.98) for statins users. However, a stratified Cox proportional hazards regression analysis yielded a HR of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84 to 1.01) for statins users, indicating no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large real-world analysis, use of statins was not associated with a higher risk of AP in this US healthcare setting.

Mild Pancreatitis Induced by Linagliptin Revealed by a Medication Review

As dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are becoming more utilized in the treatment of diabetes, it is important to recognize their side effects and become more familiar with them. As these side effects arise, physicians are more prepared to recognize and discontinue these medications. This case report describes a 34-year-old male who initially presented with a hemoglobin A1c greater than 16%. After titration of his diabetic medications, he presented with pancreatitis diagnosed by symptoms and imaging. Common causes of pancreatitis were ruled out, including biliary pathology, alcohol use, tobacco use, elevated calcium levels, and hypertriglyceridemia. The patient followed up in the clinic with persistent symptoms. A review of his medication list revealed pancreatitis as a side effect of linagliptin. After holding this medication, his symptoms improved over the course of a month.

Quantifying the Risk of Drug-Induced Pancreatitis With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Statins Using a Large Electronic Medical Record Database

OBJECTIVES

Quantify the risk of drug-induced pancreatitis (DIP) from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis using IBM Explorys (1999-2019), a pooled, deidentified clinical database of more than 63 million patients across the United States. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the risk of DIP from ACEi, statins, and both medications together. χ2 testing assessed the relationship between age, sex, ethnicity, insurance status, and mortality among patients with DIP from ACEi, statins, or both combined.

RESULTS

Acute pancreatitis (AP) was found in 280,740 patients. Odds ratios for ACEi, statins, and both combined were 6.12, 4.97, and 5.72, respectively. Thirty-eight percent of all-cause AP occurs in adults older than 65 years. Acute pancreatitis from ACEi and statins occurs in 49% and 56% of patients older than 65 years, respectively. Men and patients older than 65 years are at higher risk of DIP from ACEi and statins. Patients on Medicaid are at higher risk of DIP from statins, and Asian patients are at highest risk of DIP from ACEi.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that ACEi and statins increase the odds of DIP. Although ACEis and statins are critical medications for many patients, clinicians should consider using alternatives in patients with AP of unclear etiology.

Ever-increasing diversity of drug-induced pancreatitis

With over 100000 hospital admissions per annum, acute pancreatitis remains the leading gastrointestinal cause of hospitalization in the United States and has far-reaching impact well beyond. It has become increasingly recognized that drug-induced pancreatitis (DIP), despite accounting for less than 3% of all cases, represents an important and growing though often inconspicuous cause of acute pancreatitis. Nevertheless, knowledge of DIP is often curtailed by the limited availability of evidence needed to implicate given agents, especially for non-prescription medications. Indeed, the majority of available data is derived from case reports, case series, or case control studies. Furthermore, the mechanism of injury and causality for many of these drugs remain elusive as a definitive correlation is generally not established (< 10% of cases). Several classification systems have been proposed, but no single system has been widely adopted, and periodic updates are required in light of ongoing pharmacologic expansion. Moreover, infrequently prescribed medications or those available over-the-counter (including herbal and other alternative remedies) are often overlooked as a potential culprit of acute pancreatitis. Herein, we review the ever-increasing diversity of DIP and the potential mechanisms of injury with the goal of raising awareness regarding the nature and magnitude of this entity. We believe this manuscript will aid in increasing both primary and secondary prevention of DIP, thus ultimately facilitating more expedient diagnosis and a decrease in DIP-related morbidity.

Comparison of drug safety data obtained from the monitoring system, literature, and social media: An empirical proof from a Chinese patent medicine

Objectives

To investigate the consistency of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in the literature, monitoring and social media data.

Methods

Using one Chinese patent medicine-Cordyceps sinensis extracts (CSE) as an example, we obtained safety data from the national monitoring system (July 2002 to February 2016), literature (up to November 2016) and social media (May 2019). For literature data, we searched the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), WanFang database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Social media data was from the Baidu post bar and Sina micro-blog. Two authors independently screened the literature and extracted data by PRISMA Harms checklist was followed. AEs and ADRs were coded using the World Health Organization Adverse Reaction Terminology (WHO-ART). AEs and ADRs were grouped into thirty-one organ-system classes for comparisons. Frequencies, relative frequencies and rank were used as metrics. Radar chart was used to manifest the features of the distributions and proportions.

Results

610 AEs reported in CFDA monitoring data were associated with CSE, of which 537 (88.03%) were suspected ADRs (10.49% certain). 5568 AEs were identified from 172 papers (63% RCTs, 37% other types of studies including case series, case reports, ADR monitoring reports and reviews), in which 86 (1.54%) were ADRs (1.54% certain). 15 AEs (0 certain ADR) were identified from social media. AEs, ADRs and their affected system-organ classes, looked largely similar, but different in every aspect when looking at details. Data from RCTs demonstrated the most disparity.

Conclusions

In our study, the most prevalent AEs and ADRs, mainly gastro-intestinal system disorders including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, in monitoring system were largely similar with those in literature and social media. But data from different sources varied if looked at details. Multiple data sources (the monitoring system, literature and social media) should be integrated to collect safety information of interventions. The distributions of AEs and ADRs from RCTs were least similar with the data from other sources. Our empirical proof is consistent with other similar studies.

Acute management of pancreatitis: the key to best outcomes

Acute pancreatitis (AP) accounts for over 230 000 US and 28 000 UK hospital admissions annually. Abdominal pain is the most common presenting symptom in AP but may not reflect severity. The clinical challenge is identifying the 20% of patients in whom AP will be severe. We summarise the common aetiologies, the risk stratification strategies including the simplified Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis, acute management approaches in the initial presentation setting, conditions for using advance imaging and opinions on antibiotic use. Some warning signs of impending complications are also discussed.

Acute pancreatitis as a complication of routine colonoscopy-A rare case report

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal pain after colonoscopy is a relatively common symptom and usually benign. Colonoscopy-induced pancreatitis is an extremely rare phenomenon that can sometimes be missed leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 53 year old woman presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain, a significantly raised lipase and a CT scan revealing pancreatitis. She had no previous history of pancreatitis or any aetiological risk factors. Her pain started 2 h after having a routine outpatient colonoscopy for polyp surveillance. The endoscopist had no difficulty during the procedure and the findings were unremarkable. She developed a Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and an ileus requiring a prolonged hospital admission. However with conservative management she improved and was discharged on day 11 post-admission in stable condition.

DISCUSSION

The mechanism of colonoscopy-induced pancreatitis is not well understood. Hypotheses include mechanical trauma to the pancreas caused by the endoscope particularly at the splenic flexure, over-insufflation of the colon, external abdominal pressure, and transmural colonic burns via electrocautery causing irritation to the pancreas.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain post-colonoscopy after the more common explanations are excluded.

Statin use is not associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis-A meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Statins are perceived as potential etiological factors for acute pancreatitis (AP), but recent evidence suggests the opposite. Our aim was to evaluate the association between statin use and risk of AP in observational studies.

METHODS

Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for cohort (C) and case-control (CC) studies evaluating statins as intervention and AP as outcome. Pooled adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (seven CC, six C) with 34,899 AP patients and 5,377,894 controls were included. Prevalence of statin use was 9.8% among AP patients and 25% among controls. Pooled adjusted OR was 1.00 (95% CI = 0.63 to 1.59) with considerable heterogeneity (I 2 = 98%). CC studies were associated with increased AP risk (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.20 to 1.47), unlike C studies (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.37 to 1.31). No association with increased risk was found for studies from Western countries (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.52 to 1.56), unlike for studies conducted in Asia (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.75).

CONCLUSION

Statin use is not associated with increased risk of AP. Increased risk was limited to CC studies, which are more prone to bias, while C studies showed no global effect. Further research is needed to clarify whether statin type, dosage, treatment duration or AP etiology might account for this difference.

Use of Simvastatin and Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Case-Control Study in Taiwan

The correlation between simvastatin use and acute pancreatitis is explored. A case-control study was conducted to analyze claim data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. The case group comprising a total of 3882 subjects aged 20 to 84 years with their first acute pancreatitis episode occurring between 1998 and 2011 formed the case group, against 3790 randomly selected controls matched for sex, age, comorbidities, and index year of acute pancreatitis diagnosis. Recent use of simvastatin was defined as subjects whose last remaining simvastatin tablet was noted ≤7 days before the date of acute pancreatitis diagnosis. Remote use of simvastatin was defined as subjects whose last remaining 1 tablet for simvastatin was noted >7 days before the date of acute pancreatitis diagnosis. Never use of simvastatin was defined as subjects who had never been prescribed simvastatin. A multivariable unconditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95%CI to explore the correlation between simvastatin use and acute pancreatitis. After adjustment for confounders, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratio of acute pancreatitis was 1.3 for subjects with recent use of simvastatin (95%CI 1.02, 1.73), when compared with those with never use of simvastatin. The crude odds ratio decreased to 1.1 for those with remote use of simvastatin (95%CI 0.93, 1.34) but without statistical significance. Recent use of simvastatin is associated with acute pancreatitis. Clinicians should consider the possibility of simvastatin-associated acute pancreatitis for patients presenting for acute pancreatitis without known cause.

Toxicity of Atorvastatin on Pancreas Mitochondria: A Justification for Increased Risk of Diabetes Mellitus

Statins (including atorvastatin) are a widely used class of drugs, and like all medications, they have a potential for adverse effects. Recently, it has been shown that statins also exert side effects on the pancreas. In vitro studies have suggested that this class of drugs induced a reduction in insulin secretion. Also, the use of statins is associated with a raised risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), but the mechanisms underlying statin-induced diabetes are poorly known. Literature data indicate that several statins are able to induce apoptosis signalling. This study was designed to examine the mechanism of atorvastatin on mitochondria obtained from rat pancreas. In our study, mitochondria were obtained from the pancreas and then exposed to atorvastatin and vehicle to investigate probable toxic effects. The results showed that atorvastatin (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 μM) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial swelling, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release, the orchestrating factor for mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signalling. Atorvastatin also reduced the ATP levels. These results propose that the toxicity of atorvastatin on pancreas mitochondria is a key point for drug-induced apoptotic cell loss in the pancreas and therefore a justification for increased risk of DM.

Can Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Prevent Recurrent Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis?: A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present trial was to ascertain whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC) can prevent recurrent attacks of idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP).

SUMMARY

Up to 50% to 75% of IAP may be due to microlithiasis, which is undetectable by conventional imaging methods.

METHODS

This randomized, prospective trial included 85 patients (39 in the LCC and 46 in the control group) in 8 hospitals in Finland. We included adult patients (over 18 years) with their first attack of IAP. The diagnosis of IAP was based on the exclusion of common etiological reasons for acute pancreatitis (AP), whereafter the patients were randomized into conservative watchful waiting (controls) or LCC group. The primary end point was the number of patients with recurrent AP during the follow-up. All recurrent attacks of AP after an initial IAP episode were registered.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 36 (5-58) months, the recurrence of IAP was significantly higher in the control group than in LCC group (14/46 vs. 4/39, P = 0.016), as was also the number of recurrences (23/46 vs. 8/39, P = 0.003). In the subgroup of patients with at least 24 months' follow-up, the recurrence was still higher among controls (14/37 vs. 4/35, P = 0.008). In patients with normal liver function, recurrence was also significantly higher in the control than in the LCC group (13/46 vs. 4/39, P = 0.026). During surgery, 23/39 (59%) of the gallbladders were found to contain biliary stones or sludge.

CONCLUSIONS

LCC can effectively prevent the recurrence of IAP when all other possible etiologies of pancreatitis are carefully excluded. A total of 5 patients needed to be treated (NNT-value) to prevent 1 IAP.

Different effects of statins on induction of diabetes mellitus: an experimental study

Background

To determine the effect of different statins on the induction of diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

Four statins (atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin) were used. Cytotoxicity, insulin secretion, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and G₀/G₁ phase cell cycle arrest were investigated in human pancreas islet β cells, and glucose uptake and signaling were studied in human skeletal muscle cells (HSkMCs).

Results

Human pancreas islet β cells treated with 100 nM atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin had reduced cell viability (32.12%, 41.09%, 33.96%, and 29.19%, respectively) compared to controls. Such cytotoxic effect was significantly attenuated by decreasing the dose to 10 and 1 nM, ranged from 1.46% to 17.28%. Cells treated with 100 nM atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin had a reduction in the rate of insulin secretion rate by 34.07%, 30.06%, 26.78%, and 19.22%, respectively. The inhibitory effect was slightly attenuated by decreasing the dose to 10 and 1 nM, ranging from 10.84% to 29.60%. Insulin secretion stimulated by a high concentration of glucose (28 mmol/L) was significantly higher than a physiologic concentration of glucose (5.6 mmol/L) in all treatment groups. The glucose uptake rates at a concentration of 100 nM were as follows: atorvastatin (58.76%) < pravastatin (60.21%) < rosuvastatin (72.54%) < pitavastatin (89.96%). We also found that atorvastatin and pravastatin decreased glucose transporter (GLUT)-2 expression and induced p-p38 MAPK levels in human pancreas islet β cells. Atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin inhibited GLUT-4, p-AKT, p-GSK-3β, and p-p38 MAPK levels in HSkMCs.

Conclusion

Statins similar but different degree of effects on pancreas islet β cells damage and induce insulin resistance in HSkMC.

Prior statin use and the outcomes in patients with first-attack acute pancreatitis: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether prior stain use before admission for a first-attack AP would reduce the severity and mortality rate of a first-attack of AP with a dose-response relationship.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a tertiary medical center's database in Taiwan. We evaluated the dose-response relationship between statin use and the first-attack of AP by defining the daily dose (DDD). The cumulative DDD (cDDD) was calculated as the sum of the dispensed DDD of any specific statin. The outcome measures in our study included the hospital mortality rate, duration of hospitalization, Ranson's score, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level.

RESULTS

In our study, we enrolled 31 patients in statin group and 63 matched patients in control group. In the univariate analysis there was no significant difference between them with regard to the outcomes except the CTSI and serum calcium concentration. According to multivariate analysis the serum calcium concentration was significantly higher in the statin group, and the CTSI was lower in the statin group. In subgroup analysis we divided the statin group into two groups according to the cDDDs (<365days and >365days) and the results showed no significance in the demographic data, overall mortality rate, hospitalization days, CRP level, Ranson's score, or CTSI.

CONCLUSION

Our study rejected the hypothesis that statins have beneficial effects on the clinical outcomes of patients with a first-attack of AP. However we demonstrated that statins have a positive effect on the CTSI.

Statins and their role in acute pancreatitis: Case report and literature review

Statin induced pancreatitis has historically been considered a diagnosis of exclusion, with literature references typically in the form of case reports and observational studies. Recently, larger studies have challenged the correlations made by earlier case reports, and instead demonstrate a mild protective effect in statin users. We present a case report of likely statin induced pancreatitis in a 58-year-old male (which we have attributed to drug-drug interaction with resulting inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes) and have reviewed the apparent dichotomy in the available literature.

Comprehensive evaluations of the adverse effects of drugs: importance of appropriate study selection and data sources

While systematic reviews and meta-analyses are at the top of the evidence hierarchy, most of the methodology has focused on assessing treatment benefit. Hence, we propose a structured framework for the initial steps of searching and identifying relevant data sources so that adverse effects can be evaluated in a comprehensive, unbiased manner. The unique methodological challenges stem from the difficulties of addressing diverse outcomes encompassing common, mild symptoms to rare, fatal events. Retrieval of the most appropriate studies should be specifically tailored to fit the nature of the adverse effects, according to the primary objective and study question. In our framework, the structure of the review takes different forms depending on whether the main aim is on scoping/hypothesis generation, or evaluating statistically the magnitude of risk (hypothesis testing), or clarifying characteristics and risk factors of the adverse effect. The wide range of data sources covering adverse effects all have distinct strengths and limitations, and selection of appropriate sources depends on characteristics of the adverse effect (e.g. background incidence and effect size of the drug, clinical presentation, time of onset after drug exposure). Reviewers need to retrieve particular study designs that are most likely to yield robust data on the adverse effects of interest, rather than rely on studies that cannot reliably detect adverse effects, and may yield 'false negatives'. Type II errors (a particular problem when evaluating rare adverse effects) can lull us into a false sense of security (e.g. wrongly concluding that there was no significant difference in harm between drug and control, with the drug erroneously judged as safe). Given the rapid rate at which methodological improvements occur, this proposed framework is by no means definitive, but aims to stimulate further debate and discussion amongst the pharmacoepidemiological and systematic review communities to reach a common consensus on the best methods.

Statin use in patients with acute pancreatitis and symptomatic gallstone disease

OBJECTIVE

The long-term use of statins may be associated with a decreased risk for gallstones and biliary-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). Our aim was to study the relationship of statin use and outcome of AP.

METHODS

We investigated the records of 461 consecutive patients with AP and 1140 patients with symptomatic gallstones during 2008 to 2010. The use of lipid-lowering drugs, patient's characteristics, and outcome of patients were recorded. All known risk factors for AP and particularly statin use in idiopathic AP were analyzed.

RESULTS

Statin use was comparable between the patients with AP (22%) and patients with cholelithiasis (24%). The frequencies of surgical treatment, duration of hospital stay, or mortality were not different between the statin users compared with the nonusers. Idiopathic AP was more often associated with the use of statins than alcohol- or gallstone-induced AP (44% vs 30% vs 13%, P < 0.002). The etiology of AP was alcohol in 56% of the patients, gallstones in 28% of the patients, and unknown (idiopathic) or miscellaneous in 16% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

No beneficial effect of statins was observed in mortality or other outcome parameters of patients with AP. Statin use was more frequent in patients with idiopathic AP than in patients with biliary- or alcohol-induced AP.

Cardiovascular disease and risk of acute pancreatitis in a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

The low-grade inflammation that characterizes cardiovascular disorders may facilitate the development of pancreatitis; therefore, we investigated the connection between cardiovascular disorders and acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

A nested population-based case-control study was conducted in Sweden in 2006-2008. Cases had a first episode of acute pancreatitis diagnosed in the nationwide Patient Register. Controls were matched on age, sex, and calendar year and randomly selected from all Swedish residents (40-84 years old). Exposure to cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke) was identified in the Patient Register. Relative risk of acute pancreatitis was estimated by odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression adjusting for confounders (matching variables, alcohol disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, number of distinct medications, and other cardiovascular diseases).

RESULTS

The study included 6161 cases and 61,637 control subjects. Cardiovascular disorders were positively associated with acute pancreatitis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.45).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based study indicates an association between cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis. Specifically, ischemic heart disease and hypertension seem to increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. Further research is needed to determine causality.

Atorvastatin-induced acute pancreatitis

Atorvastatin-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the rare adverse effects available in the literature. We report a case of 53-year-old patient developed AP after treatment with atorvastatin monotherapy which resolved after drug withdrawal. Extensive workup on AP failed to reveal any other etiology for it. To our knowledge, this is one of the rare case reports of AP caused due to atorvastatin monotherapy and it further strengthens the fact that statins may cause AP. There is need of continued reporting of such a rare adverse effect of atorvastatin for increasing awareness and to manage and avoid the same.

Molecular mechanisms of toxicity of simvastatin, widely used cholesterol-lowering drug. A review

Statins are widely used and well tolerated cholesterol-lowering drugs, and when used for therapy purposes reduce morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease. Simvastatin is one of nine known statins, specific inhibitors of hepatic enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting step of cholesterol biosynthesis, and is believed to reduce plasma cholesterol levels by decreasing the activity of this enzyme. Statin drugs represent the major improvement in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia that constitutes the main origin of atherosclerosis, leading to coronary heart disease. Although statins are generally safe, minor and severe adverse reactions are well known complications of statin use. Adverse events associated with simvastatin therapy are uncommon, but potentially serious. In this review some details about statins including their adverse effects in humans and animals, the effects of simvastatin on various intracellular and mitochondrial processes, and molecular mechanisms underlying simvastatin cytotoxicity are discussed.

Effect of statins on a wide range of health outcomes: a cohort study validated by comparison with randomized trials

AIMS

To assess the effect of statins on a range of health outcomes.

METHODS

We undertook a population-based cohort study to assess the effect of statins on a range of health outcomes using a propensity score-based method to control for differences between people prescribed and not prescribed statins. We validated our design by comparing our results for vascular outcomes with the effects established in large randomized trials. The study was based on the United Kingdom Health Improvement Network database that includes the computerized medical records of over four and a half million patients.

RESULTS

People who initiated treatment with a statin (n = 129,288) were compared with a matched sample of 600,241 people who did not initiate treatment, with a median follow-up period of 4.4 years. Statin use was not associated with an effect on a wide range of outcomes, including infections, fractures, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, or on specific eye, neurological or autoimmune diseases. A protective effect against dementia was observed (hazard ratio 0.80, 99% confidence interval 0.68, 0.95). There was no effect on the risk of cancer even after > or =8 years of follow-up. The effect sizes for statins on vascular end-points and mortality were comparable to those observed in large randomized trials, suggesting bias and confounding had been well controlled for.

CONCLUSIONS

We found little evidence to support wide-ranging effects of statins on health outcomes beyond their established beneficial effect on vascular disease.

Ezetimibe-associated adverse effects: what the clinician needs to know

OBJECTIVE

Ezetimibe is a relatively new lipid lowering agent, which is indicated for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolaemia, either as monotherapy or in combination with other hypolipidaemic drugs. The objective of the present article was to review the side effects attributed to ezetimibe administration and discuss their possible underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we aimed to comment on the possible drug interactions of ezetimibe and present current guidelines regarding its safe use.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified through a PubMed search (up to June 2007).

RESULTS

Compelling evidence from the majority of the data reviewed here showed that adverse effects associated with ezetimibe use are few and mild without having been associated with serious clinical outcomes. In most studies ezetimibe has not been associated with increased rates of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, whether used alone or in combination with statins, although there have been some case reports of myopathy attributed to this agent. Moreover, ezetimibe has been associated with mild elevations of liver transaminases, mainly in combination with a statin. Other side effects are extremely rare. It should be noted, however, there are no long-term safety data or outcome studies for ezetimibe yet.

CONCLUSIONS

Ezetimibe is a safe alternative option for hyperlipidaemic patients intolerant to other lipid lowering drugs as well as a beneficial supplementary agent for patients who do not reach the recommended serum cholesterol level with their current hypolipidaemic treatment. However, as is the case with all new medications, physicians should be alert to recognise adverse effects associated with ezetimibe and report them to regulatory authorities.

Statin adverse effects : a review of the literature and evidence for a mitochondrial mechanism

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are a widely used class of drug, and like all medications, have potential for adverse effects (AEs). Here we review the statin AE literature, first focusing on muscle AEs as the most reported problem both in the literature and by patients. Evidence regarding the statin muscle AE mechanism, dose effect, drug interactions, and genetic predisposition is examined. We hypothesize, and provide evidence, that the demonstrated mitochondrial mechanisms for muscle AEs have implications to other nonmuscle AEs in patients treated with statins. In meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), muscle AEs are more frequent with statins than with placebo. A number of manifestations of muscle AEs have been reported, with rhabdomyolysis the most feared. AEs are dose dependent, and risk is amplified by drug interactions that functionally increase statin potency, often through inhibition of the cytochrome P450 3A4 system. An array of additional risk factors for statin AEs are those that amplify (or reflect) mitochondrial or metabolic vulnerability, such as metabolic syndrome factors, thyroid disease, and genetic mutations linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Converging evidence supports a mitochondrial foundation for muscle AEs associated with statins, and both theoretical and empirical considerations suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may also underlie many nonmuscle statin AEs. Evidence from RCTs and studies of other designs indicates existence of additional statin-associated AEs, such as cognitive loss, neuropathy, pancreatic and hepatic dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Physician awareness of statin AEs is reportedly low even for the AEs most widely reported by patients. Awareness and vigilance for AEs should be maintained to enable informed treatment decisions, treatment modification if appropriate, improved quality of patient care, and reduced patient morbidity.

New advances in acute pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We endeavor to review important new advances in acute pancreatitis made in the past year. We focused on clinical aspects of acute pancreatitis, which contained new observations or insights into new or old concepts. For experimental acute pancreatitis we refer readers to a recent comprehensive review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, case fatality rates of acute pancreatitis have stabilized; carbohydrate-deficient transferrin was shown to predict alcoholic acute pancreatitis; idiopathic chronic pancreatitis or occult cholelithiasis have been associated with 'recurrent acute pancreatitis' in most patients; and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator genetic mutations were frequently found (10-50%) in patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis. In addition, alcohol was shown to increase the risk of pancreatic necrosis regardless of the cause of acute pancreatitis. Persistent organ failure and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome but not necessarily extent of necrosis were demonstrated to predict increased mortality in acute pancreatitis. Chemoprevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography acute pancreatitis remains unproven. Enteral feeding has been strongly recommended in severe acute pancreatitis. Finally, data are lacking for routine, prophylactic antibiotic administration to all patients with pancreatic necrosis.

SUMMARY

We reviewed studies this past year that further characterize the epidemiology, etiology and risk stratification of acute pancreatitis. Evolving areas include chemoprevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography acute pancreatitis and enteral feeding and antibiotics in severe acute pancreatitis. We await translation of novel therapies from the bench to bedside.

Systematic reviews of adverse effects: framework for a structured approach

BACKGROUND

As every healthcare intervention carries some risk of harm, clinical decision making needs to be supported by a systematic assessment of the balance of benefit to harm. A systematic review that considers only the favourable outcomes of an intervention, without also assessing the adverse effects, can mislead by introducing a bias favouring the intervention. Much of the current guidance on systematic reviews is directed towards the evaluation of effectiveness; but this differs in important ways from the methods used in assessing the safety and tolerability of an intervention. A detailed discussion of why, how and when to include adverse effects in a systematic review, is required.

METHODS

This discussion paper, which presupposes a basic knowledge of systematic review methodology, was developed by consensus among experienced reviewers, members of the Adverse Effects Subgroup of The Cochrane Collaboration, and supplemented by a consultation of content experts in reviews methodology, as well as those working in drug safety.

RESULTS

A logical framework for making decisions in reviews that incorporate adverse effects is provided. We explore situations where a comprehensive investigation of adverse effects is warranted and suggest strategies to identify practicable and clinically useful outcomes. The advantages and disadvantages of including observational and experimental study designs are reviewed. The consequences of including separate studies for intended and unintended effects are explained. Detailed advice is given on designing electronic searches for studies with adverse effects data. Reviewers of adverse effects are given general guidance on the assessment of study bias, data collection, analysis, presentation and the interpretation of harms in a systematic review.

CONCLUSION

Readers need to be able to recognize how strategic choices made in the review process determine what harms are found, and how the findings may affect clinical decisions. Researchers undertaking a systematic review that incorporates adverse effect data should understand the rationale for the suggested methods and be able to implement them in their review.