the effects of atorvastatin on mustard-gas-exposed patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial

background: statins have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). this study designed to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on serum highly sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-crp) and pulmonary function in sulfur mustard exposed patients with copd. materials and methods: fifty patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to sulfur mustard and high serum hs-crp entered in this study. participants were randomized to receive 40 mg atorvastatin or placebo in a double-blind clinical trial. forty-five patients completed the study (n = 23 atorvastatin and n = 22 placebo). pulse oximetry (spo2), pulmonary function test (pft), and 6 min walk distance test (6mwd) was measured. copd assessment test (cat) and st.george’s respiratory questionnaire (sgrq) were also completed by patients at the beginning of trial and after 9 weeks of prescription of 40 mg/day atorvastatin or placebo. at fourth week, spo2, pft, and 6mwd were again measured. after 9 weeks serum hs-crp was re-measured. results: there was no significant difference between atorvastatin and the placebo group in spo2, fev1, and 6mwd after fourth week (p = 0.79, p = 0.12, p = 0.12, respectively). the difference between baseline and ninth week was calculated for two groups of trial and control in term of serum hs-crp, spo2, fev1, and 6mwd. significant improvement was not observed between two groups in above mentioned variables (p = 0.35, p = 0.28, p = 0.94, p = 0.43, respectively). however, the quality of life was improved by administration of atorvastatin using the cat score (p < 0.001) and sgrq total score (p = 0.004). conclusion: atorvastatin does not alter serum hs-crp and lung functions but may improve quality of life in sm-injured patients with copd.