A multicenter randomized trial of atorvastatin therapy in intensive care patients with severe sepsis

Abstract

Rationale: Observational studies link statin therapy with improved outcomes in patients with severe sepsis. Objectives: To test whether atorvastatin therapy affects biologic and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with severe sepsis. Methods: Phase II, multicenter, prospective, randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial stratified by site and prior statin use. A cohort of 250 critically ill patients (123 statins, 127 placebo) with severe sepsis were administrated either atorvastatin (20mgdaily) or matched placebo. Measurements and Main Results: There was no difference in IL-6 concentrations (primary end point) between the atorvastatin and placebo groups (P= 0.76) and no inter..