RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Association between statin use and herpes zoster: systematic review and meta-analysis JF BMJ Open JO BMJ Open FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP e022897 DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022897 VO 9 IS 2 A1 Lailai Fan A1 Yangyang Wang A1 Xiang Liu A1 Xueqiang Guan YR 2019 UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/2/e022897.abstract AB Objective Statins are commonly prescribed worldwide. In addition to being potent lipid-lowering agents, statins have immunomodulating properties that may increase the risk of varicella zoster virus reactivation. This adverse effect may have substantial public health implications.Design We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the association between statin use and the risk of herpes zoster infection. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases to identify studies published from 1980 to 2018. The multivariate-adjusted ORs were pooled using random-effect models, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the source of heterogeneity.Result Six studies were analysed, with a total of more than two million participants. We determined if the use of statins might increase the risk of infection of herpes zoster (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 1. 25). We detected significant heterogeneity (I2=91.2%; p<0.000), and determined that the heterogeneity arises from regional differences.Conclusion The use of statins may increase the risk of herpes zoster infection. Because the studies included are limited and there may be potential bias, further studies are warranted.