Statins were found to be significantly beneficial to treating compensated cirrhosis among people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a recent trial. Researchers analyzed 1996 to 2009 data from the Department of Veterans clinical case registry and found 685 people with hep C and compensated cirrhosis who used statins; then they matched this group with 2,062 people with hep C and cirrhosis who did not use the drugs.

During a median follow-up period of two years, statin use was linked to a significant reduction in the rate of decompensated cirrhosis (the more severe liver disease after compensated cirrhosis) and death.

After adjusting for age and the prognosis of cirrhosis progression, the researchers found that statins were associated with a 45 percent reduction in the rate of death and decompensation.

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