Protective role of statins against sepsis complications in the context of geriatric syndromes

Background: Sepsis complications in the elderly arise from factors such as comorbidities and malnutrition.The role of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in mitigating these complications remains underexplored.Methods: We analyzed 2008-2011 data for sepsis patients aged 65+.Cases had sepsis complications; controls did not.Patients were matched 1:1 on several factors.The association between statin use and complications was examined using multivariate conditional logistic regression, adjusting for geriatric syndromes.Results: Of participants (average age 78.5; 55.7% female), 40% used statins.Statin intake before hospitalization was less common in cases (25.2% vs. 54.8%;p < 0.001).Regression showed an inverse association between statin use and sepsis complications, consistent even after geriatric syndrome adjustments (odds ratios 0.26; 95% confidence intervals 0.12-0.55,p < 0.001).Conclusion: Statins appear protective against sepsis complications in the elderly.However, due to study design and existing ambiguities, results should be interpreted cautiously.Further research is advocated.