The results of two randomized, controlled trials, supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, in which inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, commonly known as statins, were tested for efficacy in sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)1 and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)2 are now reported in the Journal The rationale of the trials was based largely on observational data showing that patients with these conditions who were taking statins had better outcomes than patients who were not. Both trials wef e stopped by the data and safety monitoring boards before the projected enrollment was completed because no therapeutic benefit was apparent. The cynic would say that the public's money had been wasted — we had struck out swinging.
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