Liver cirrhosis and its complications are important factors contributing to mortality worldwide. Statin use is probably associated with lower risk of hepatic decompensation and mortality, but not with cirrhosis or fibrosis progression according to a recent systematic review. We aimed to evaluate the definite effects of statins on the risk of virus-related cirrhosis.

We systematically searched four databases up to May 7, 2017, without language restriction. Studies were included if they evaluated and clearly defined exposure to statins, reported fibrosis progression, risk of cirrhosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis or decompensation in cirrhotic patients, and reported relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs), or provided data for their estimation. Pooled RRs (or ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effects models irrespective of statistical heterogeneity assessed with the Cochran's Q statistic and I² statistic.

Ten observational studies involving 12,3445 patients (8 cohort studies, n=12,1823; 1 nested case-control, n=1350; and 1 abstract, n=272) were included. Statin use was associated with a statistically significant 51% reduction in the risk of virus-related cirrhosis (pooled RRs, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30–0.80; P=0.004), with substantial heterogeneity (I²=98.3%; P<0.001). Statin use was also associated with a 51% reduction in the risk of decompensation (pooled RRs, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.41–0.59; P<0.001), which was statistically significant, with no heterogeneity (I²=33.8%; P=0.210).

The meta-analysis showed that statin use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of virus-related cirrhosis and decompensation. However, these results should be interpreted with caution given the possibility of residual confounding. Large randomized controlled trials are warranted in future studies.