Can patients with steatohepatitis take statins?

Abstract

Patients with steatohepatitis who take HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins) lower their elevated liver enzymes and show evidence of improvement in fatty liver on follow-up imaging (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, based on very small, short-term prospective studies). Statins do not further increase transaminase levels for patients with pre-existing transaminase elevations (SOR: B, based on 2 retrospective cohort studies). However, for patients with decompensated liver disease or advanced cirrhosis, balance the benefits of statins against the risks (SOR: C, based on expert opinion).