Statins probably reduce the risk of intra-cranial haemorrage

It has previously been suggested that the use of statins (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) may increase risk for intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) amongst those who have previously had a  stroke, it is unclear as to whether those with no history of stroke may also be affected in this way. A Danish group undertook a large scale study of 519,894 people initiating statins in 2004–2013, comparing these individuals to a propensity-score-matched group of non-users. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for ICH risk among statin users compared to non-users were calculated as a function of time since statin initiation. During the study, 1409 Intra-Cranial Haemorrhages (ICHs) occurred amongst statin users, who had an overall adjusted Hazard Ration of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.80–0.90) compared to non-users, although this risk was modified by time since statin initiation. Statin users and non-users had similar ICH risk during the first six months after statin initiation. After that period, statin users had a 22–35% lower risk throughout the study period.The finding could not be explained by healthy initiator bias or differences between users and non-users in sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, or other treatment. The study, published in The Lancet, can be viewed here.