The Impact of Atorvastatin on Cardiac Performance for Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Abstract

Introduction: The efficacy of atorvastatin for dilated cardiomyopathy remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of atorvastatin on cardiac performance for dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through February 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of atorvastatin on cardiac performance for dilated cardiomyopathy. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Results: Five RCTs involving 401 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control groups for dilated cardiomyopathy, atorvastatin treatment resulted in a significantly positive impact on left ventricular ejection fraction (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33 to 0.84; P < .00001), 6-minute walk test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.27 to 1.31; P = .003), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (SMD = –0.60; 95% CI = –1.18 to –0.01; P = .04), left ventricular systolic volume (SMD = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.79; P = .03), low-density lipoprotein (SMD = –1.37; 95% CI = –1.92 to –0.82; P = .00001), and C-reactive protein (SMD = –0.47; 95% CI = –0.72 to –0.22; P = .0002), but showed no obvious influence on left ventricular end-diastolic volume (SMD = 0.14; 95% CI = –0.37 to 0.64; P = .59). Conclusions: Atorvastatin treatment provides significant benefits for dilated cardiomyopathy.