Statins use in LTC residents — comparing intensive- and moderate-doses on one-year survival
Researchers from one of CFN’s Strategic Impact Grants had study results and implications for care published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on January 14, 2019.
Why is this important?
Statins are used widely in older adults, particularly those living in long-term care facilities (LTC). In Ontario, over one-third of all residents of LTC are statin users, including 28% of frail residents who have a limited likelihood of 1-year survival; nearly one-quarter of users received high doses. Historically, however, randomized clinical trials studying the efficacy and safety of statins rarely include adults aged 75 years and older, and most have not included LTC residents. This leaves clinicians with little guidance when making ongoing decisions about treatment with statins, such as the appropriate dosing.
This study sought to examine the rates of 1-year survival and admission to hospital for cardiovascular events among older LTC residents who were prescribed intensive-dose statins compared with those receiving moderate-dose statins.
The rates of mortality and admission to hospital for cardiovascular events at 1 year were similar between LTC residents taking intensive-dose statins compared with those taking moderate-dose statins. This lack of benefit should be considered when prescribing statins to vulnerable LTC residents who are at potentially increased risk of statin-related adverse events.