Effect of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors on the grade and recurrence of colonic polyps
1016 Background: The burden of treating colon cancer on the healthcare system is huge and screening for colonic polyps has been very effective. Colon cancer arises from colonic polyps in a significant percent of patients and preventive measures to control colonic polyps in the form of dietary interventions, NSAIDS have been looked into. But there are no studies to our knowledge that looked at the effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) on colon polyps. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors on the grade and recurrence of colonic polyps. Methods: This retrospective case control study included review of the charts of all patients at Geisinger Medical Center who had colonoscopy and polypectomy between 1998 and 2003. These patients were divided into two groups based on the use of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. A total of 207 patients were identified of which, 60 were in statin group and 147 were in the non-statin group. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationships between statin use and 1) recurrence of colonic polyps and, 2) histological grade. Additionally, Cox regression was used to examine the relationship between statin use and time until colonic polyp recurrence. Results: The rate of recurrence of colonic lesions and histological grade at follow-up were not different between the two groups. However, time until recurrence (based on time until 2nd colonoscopy) was longer in the statin group (p=0.001). This association remained after controlling for aspirin use and other characteristics of the patient (p=0.013). Conclusion: Our study suggests that HMG CoA reductase inhibitors might have a role in the secondary prevention of colonic polyps. Larger, prospective randomized studies are needed to validate this finding. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.