Editor's Choice – Effect of Statins on Total Mortality in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Ø. Risum, Irene Sandven, Jon Otto Sundhagen, Michael Abdelnoor
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim was to summarise the evidence from published epidemiological studies investigating the efficacy of statin therapy on long term survival in patients after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. DATA SOURCES: This study was a systematic review with critical appraisal and meta-analysis of observational studies. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out throughout February 2020, revealing 14 eligible cohort studies of which 11 were judged to be of high quality. A random effects model was used to synthesise results, and heterogeneity between studies examined by subgroup and meta-regression analyses considering patient and study related variables. Small study effect was evaluated. RESULTS: = 68%) and no small study effect. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this systematic review indicates a beneficial effect of statins on long term survival in patients treated by AAA repair.