Literature selection and study characteristics
We began with 449 records from our database search. After removing 191 duplicates, we reviewed 258 titles and abstracts, discarding 194 records. This left us with 64 full-text articles for a detailed assessment. Following our inclusion criteria, we identified 41 RCTs involving 3,606 patients as suitable for our study (see Figure 1). These trials were conducted in three countries, with sample sizes ranging from 16 to 80 participants and intervention durations between 1 and 12 months (see Appendix 3, Table S3.1). From the publications reviewed, we identified five statin medications. Our network analysis then compared these five statins, all approved by regulatory authorities (see Appendix 3, Table S3.2).
Risk of bias, certainty of evidence, and consistency
Appendix 4 provides an overview of the risk of bias for each trial. A major issue was the insufficient details regarding blinding methods for participants, researchers, and assessors, as well as the absence of data loss reports. Of the 41 trials reviewed, the summaries of those with a low risk of bias are: 37 studies (90.2%) for randomization, 35 studies (85.3%) for adherence to interventions, 38 studies (92.6%) for missing outcome data, 40 studies (97.5%) for outcome measurement, and 38 studies (92.6%) for reporting results. Overall, 5 studies (12.1%) exhibited a high risk of bias, and 2 (4.8%) raised concerns about potential bias.
Our evaluation of the consistency between direct and indirect evidence shows high agreement across all comparisons, illustrated in density and convergence plots (Appendix 6 and Appendix 7). The I² results indicate no significant heterogeneity within the network, with most comparisons showing low heterogeneity (Appendix 5). Using CINeMA, we found most pairwise comparisons had low confidence levels, with a few showing moderate to high confidence (Appendix 8). All networks complied with the transitivity principle, ensuring the validity of indirect comparisons (Appendix 8, Table S8.1). Additionally, the funnel plots showed no asymmetry (Appendix 9). This comprehensive analysis underscores the robustness and reliability of our findings.
Pulmonary artery pressure
For sPAP reduction, the network meta-analysis included 33 trials with 2,816 participants. Compared to ST, all 5 statins significantly reduced sPAP levels in adults with PH-COPD (Figure 2). Rosuvastatin 10mg combined with ST showed the most substantial reduction in sPAP (MD=-8.8; (95%CI -11.68 to -5.85); SUCRA 91.5%; high-confidence evidence), followed by Atorvastatin 10mg with ST (MD=-8.21; (95%CI -11.49 to -4.87); SUCRA 85.8%; high-confidence evidence), and Pravastatin 40mg (MD=-6.01; (95%CI -11.81 to -0.21); SUCRA 61%; low-confidence evidence). Among the different statins, Rosuvastatin 10mg combined with ST resulted in a significantly more significant reduction in sPAP compared to Atorvastatin 20mg with ST, Simvastatin 20mg with ST, and Simvastatin 40mg with ST (Appendix 12, Table S12.1). According to CINeMA, the overall quality of evidence for sPAP was mainly moderate to high (Appendix 8, Table S8.2).
In contrast, for the reduction of mPAP, only 6 trials were included in the network meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed between statins and ST in reducing mPAP (Figure 3). Further details are provided in Appendix 11 and 12 (FigureS11.1-11.2, Table S12.1-12.2).
Exercise tolerance
Based on the 6MWD assessment, a network meta-analysis was conducted, incorporating 12 RCTs with 1,119 participants. This analysis confirmed the effectiveness of all 5 different doses of statins in comparing ST (Appendix 10, Figure S10.1). Among these, Rosuvastatin 20 mg combined with ST was the most effective in enhancing 6MWD, with a MD of 67.03 (95%Cl 2.77 to 130.86) and a SUCRA of 87.9%. A detailed comparison of 6MWD results is provided in Appendix 11(Table S11.3) and Appendix 12(Table S12.3).
Lung function
The network meta-analysis examined the effects of statins on lung function through 21 studies each for FVC and FEV1. FVC studies involved 1,976 participants, while FEV1 studies included 1,868 participants. 11 studies with 1,038 participants were also analyzed for the FEV1/FVC ratio.
Atorvastatin 20mg combined with ST was found to be the most effective statin for improving FVC(MD=0.4; (95%Cl 0.21 to 0.58); SUCRA 82.2%) (Appendix 10, Figure S10.2). Rosuvastatin 10mg + ST and Simvastatin 20mg + ST also significantly improved FVC compared to ST alone. In terms of enhancing FEV1, all 4 different doses of statins were effective. Pravastatin 40mg led to the most substantial increase in FEV1(MD=0.56 (95%CI 0.27 to 0.85); SUCRA 98.7%). This was followed by Rosuvastatin 10mg + ST (MD=0.33; (95% CI 0.16 to 0.5); SUCRA 79.5%) and Atorvastatin 20mg + ST (MD=0.17; (95% CI 0.06 to 0.3); SUCRA 50.9%). For improving the FEV1/FVC ratio, Atorvastatin 20mg + ST, Rosuvastatin 10mg + ST, and Simvastatin 20mg + ST all showed significant benefits over ST alone. The SUCRA data (Appendix 11, Table S11.4-11.6) and additional tables (Appendix 12, Table S12.4-12.6) provide detailed comparisons of these outcomes.
Oxygenation Parameters
The effect of statins on oxygenation parameters was assessed through measurements of PO2 and PCO2. The network meta-analysis revealed that Atorvastatin 20mg + ST (MD=11.81; 95%Cl 2.93 to 20.78), Atorvastatin 10mg + ST (MD=11.6; 95%Cl 2.78 to 20.43), and Simvastatin 20mg + ST (MD=7.51; 95%Cl 3.71 to 11.49) all led to significant increases in PO2 levels compared to ST alone. Only Simvastatin 20mg + ST was significantly lower PCO2, with a MD of -9.59 (95%Cl -16.65 to -2.5) (see Figure S10.5, S10.6, S11.7 and S11.8; Tables S11.7, S11.8, S12.7 and S12.8).
Inflammatory markers
The effect of statins on inflammation was evaluated by measuring TNF-α, hs-CRP, and IL-6 levels. The network meta-analysis demonstrated that Atorvastatin 20mg + ST and Simvastatin 20mg + ST were effective in significantly reducing TNF-α, hs-CRP, and IL-6 compared to ST alone. Among the statins studied, Rosuvastatin 10mg + ST was found to be the most effective in lowering IL-6, with a MD of -16.41 (95%Cl -29.64 to -3.04) (refer to Figures S10.7-10.9; Tables S11.9-11.11; Table S12.9-12.11).
Vasoactive substances
The network meta-analysis assessed the effects of 5 different doses of statins on NO and ET-1 levels. The findings showed that Simvastatin 20mg + ST, Atorvastatin 10mg + ST, and Atorvastatin 20mg + ST were significantly more effective than ST alone in increasing NO and decreasing ET-1. Specifically, Simvastatin 20mg + ST was the most effective in raising NO levels, with a MD of 8.42 (95%Cl 3.66 to 12.86). Meanwhile, Atorvastatin 20mg + ST was the most effective in lowering ET-1, with a MD of -9.82 (95%Cl -13.03 to -6.6)(refer to Figures S10.10-10.11; Tables S11.12-11.13; Table S12.12-12.13).
Adverse events
14 studies involving 947 patients monitored for adverse reactions during treatment. Of these, 7 studies reported no adverse effects, and 1 study noted that a few patients experienced nausea and vomiting. The remaining 6 studies detailed specific adverse reactions. All reported adverse events occurred in the Atorvastatin treatment groups. These included 4 cases of elevated liver enzymes, all at a dosage of 20 mg, which returned to normal after dose reduction. Additionally, 3 cases of upper abdominal discomfort did not affect the continuation of treatment, 4 cases of muscle pain, and 3 cases of gastrointestinal issues. Specific management measures for these reactions were not provided. Due to the limited data, a network meta-analysis could not be conducted for these adverse effects.
Sensitivity analyses and meta-regressions
To test the robustness of our results, we performed a sensitivity analysis by excluding one study at a time from each group. No single study was found to affect the outcomes significantly. As shown in Appendix 13, the sensitivity analysis results were consistent with the primary findings, confirming their robustness. We also conducted a meta-regression analysis to evaluate the impact of potential baseline effect modifiers on the primary outcomes. Factors such as the baseline sPAP, gender, and age were assessed. None of these factors significantly influenced the primary outcomes (Appendix 14).