Do aspirin and statins prevent severe sepsis
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 05/17/2012

Sanchez MA et al. – Sepsis is a deadly and costly condition with no available, specific treatment options. The statins and aspirin are well tolerated and widely used for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Because of their effects on the immune system and inflammatory pathways, they may present viable medical options for the prevention of sepsis.

• Aspirin and statins have been integral in the prevention of atherosclerotic disease.
• Additionally, statins have proven beneficial in the prevention of nonatherosclerotic conditions secondary to their pleiotropic effects.
• The platelet also plays an integral role in this inflammatory cascade of sepsis.
• Scientific data indicates that antiplatelet therapy, including aspirin, may attenuate these undesirable effects of platelets.
• Finally, observational studies have shown that patients taking statins have a decreased incidence of sepsis and septic shock, and aspirin may potentiate these benefits.