Abstract :Background: Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors which have
the potential to modify HCV host cell lipid metabolism and thus could have an impact on outcomes
of viral infection. Epidemiologic studies of the association between statin use and worsening of liver
disease parameters such as fibrosis and the incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) have
generated inconsistent results. In addition, most studies have been of small sample size and few
studies have included significant numbers of African American (AA) participants who were not on
anti-viral therapy (i.e natural history cohort). Our objective was to investigate the impact of statins
upon fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC in our predominantly African-American population. Methods:
The EMR of the largest health care provider in Southeast Michigan and its associated multi-specialty
group were use to identify all the patients with HCV who had at least one visit over a period of 1
year (2015). Patients who were on treatment were included if pre-treatment data was available.
Stratification was into 2 groups based on the presence of prescriptions for statins in their 2015
EMR records. HIV and Hepatitis B co infected patients were excluded. Liver fibrosis was defined
by APRI [ (AST/ AST normal)/ Platelet ×100] and FIB-4 [(Age × AST)/(Platelet × vALT)] scores.
Cirrhosis was defined by a combination of laboratory data and imaging studies. HCC was diagnosed
by imaging and/or biopsy.