Effect of Statin Use on Cancer-related Mortality in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Prospective United States Cohort Study

Background: Indications for use of statins are common among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Epidemiologic studies have suggested a possible association between statins and decreased risk of malignancies. We hypothesized that statin use has a protective effect on cancer mortality in patients with NAFLD. Methods: Participants with NAFLD in 8 rounds of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. Mortality data were obtained by linking the NHANES data to National Death Index. NAFLD was defined using the previously validated Hepatic Steatosis Index model. Results: A total of 10,821 participants with NAFLD were included and 23% were statin users (n=2523). Statin use was associated with a 43% lower risk of cancer mortality [hazard ratio (HR)=0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43-0.75, P5 years decreased cancer mortality by 56% (HR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.29-0.66, P
Source: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary Tract: Original Articles Source Type: research