EXPRESS: Short-term Efficacy of Moderate Intensity Rosuvastatin in COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the exploration of adjunct therapies to mitigate disease severity remains a priority. Statins, known for their pleiotropic effects, have been under investigation for their potential role in managing COVID-19 complications. The study was conducted in a single referral hospital and adhered to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either the rosuvastatin group or the control group. Outcome measures included vital signs, laboratory data, clinical outcomes, and patient symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. A total of 100 patients were enrolled. No significant differences were observed between the rosuvastatin and control groups in terms of baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters, except for the fact that rosuvastatin-treated patients showed lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in comparison with the controls on both the first and fifth days (38.1 ± 16.3 vs. 50.5 ± 25.3) compared to the control group. Clinical outcomes, including hospital length of stay, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, need for intubation, and 1-month mortality, did not differ significantly between the two groups. Symptom scales, as assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (Borg RPE) and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), showed significant improvement in the rosuvastatin group compared to controls. Our study provides insights into the short-term efficacy of moderate-intensity rosuvastatin in COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects and optimal dosing of statins in COVID-19 management.