TY - JOUR T1 - Safety and efficacy of dyslipidemia treatment in NAFLD patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials JO - Annals of Hepatology T2 - AU - Abdallah,Mohamed AU - Brown,Landon AU - Provenza,John AU - Tariq,Raseen AU - Gowda,Smitha AU - Singal,Ashwani K. SN - 16652681 M3 - 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100738 DO - 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100738 UR - https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-annals-hepatology-16-articulo-safety-efficacy-dyslipidemia-treatment-in-S1665268122000801 AB - Introduction and ObjectivesPracticing physicians often hesitate to use statins and/or other lipid-lowering therapies in NAFLD due to concern for hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study is to examine the safety of lipid lowering therapies in NAFLD patients. Materials and MethodsData from randomized control trials (RCT) among NAFLD patients were pooled to examine the effect of lipid-lowering therapies on liver chemistry, lipid profile, and liver histology. Results are reported as the mean difference of the change (pretreatment-posttreatment) between the treatment and control group. ResultsA total of 21 placebo-controlled RCT on 1900 patients (304 receiving statins, 520 other lipid-lowering therapies, and 61 combinations) were treated for 26 weeks [Interquartile range (IQR): 17.5-52 weeks]. Pooled data showed an improved lipid profile without any worsening of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, or alkaline phosphatase at the end of the treatment period. NAFLD activity score improved with other lipid-lowering agents but not with statins. There was no change in individual components of NAFLD activity score or fibrosis stage. ConclusionThis meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining statins and/or other lipid-lowering therapies in NAFLD patients showed no evidence of worsening liver chemistry. Studies with longer use of lipid-lowering therapies are suggested to examine the benefit of liver histology among patients with NAFLD. ER -