Abstract
AIMS: Observational studies indicate that statins reduce the risk of recurrent venous thrombosis (VT). However, trials have not been performed and the mechanism is unknown. We aimed to determine whether statin therapy improves the coagulation profile in patients with prior VT. METHODS AND RESULTS Randomized clinical trial (NCT01613794). Patients were randomized to rosuvastatin 20 mg/day for 4 weeks or no intervention. Blood was drawn at baseline and at end of study. The primary outcome was factor (F) VIIIC. In total, five coagulation factors were measured: FVIIIC, von Willebrand factor:Ag, FVIIC, FXI:C, and D-dimer. Among 247 randomized participants, mean age was 58 years, 62% were women and 49% had unprovoked VT. For all tested coagulation factors, mean levels were clearly decreased at end of study in rosuvastatin users, whereas they hardly differed in non-statin users. Results were most consistent for FVIIIC where mean FVIIIC levels were 7.2 IU/dL [95% CI (confidence interval) 2.9-11.5] lower in rosuvastatin users, while among non-users, no change in FVIIIC was observed (mean difference -0.1; 95% CI -3.0 to 2.9). The mean age and sex adjusted difference in FVIIIC change was -6.7 IU/dL (95% CI -12.0 to -1.4) in rosuvastatin users vs. non-users. Subgroup analyses revealed that the decrease in coagulation factors by rosuvastatin was more pronounced in participants with unprovoked VT and in those with cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin 20 mg/day substantially improved the coagulation profile among patients with prior VT. These results suggest that statin therapy might be beneficial in patients at risk of recurrent VT.
